Othello, a Peach Theatre Company masterpiece
This isn’t a review from an avid theatre or Shakespeare fan. In fact I must admit I didn’t pay for the ticket and distantly know the Director. My Aunt was Principal of Jessie’s Primary School, his Mum taught with her and I first knew him as the guy behind the Bird Barn counter selling me Cockatiel seed before his media & theatre career blossomed.
My last contact with “real” Shakespeare was at High School and I shudder to think that was 30’something years ago!. I only remember “doing” Macbeth but there must have been others. I know of his work from Film/TV and adaptions, what purists probably think of as corruptions, where the plots have been used in modern context or even comic parody. I had not seen a live performance of Shakespeare or really felt the need to do so.
So, when my Aunt asked me to accompany her to the opening of Jessie Peach Theatre Company’s Othello it was as much duty as anticipation. As I left home torrential freezing cold rain made a night out seem even less inviting.
Arriving at the Maidment a little early (hooray for covered $5 parking at the University Business School) meant time for a glass of wine and chance to people watch as the lobby filled. Jessie’s media connections were pretty obvious as recognised quite a few TV familiar faces, both past & present, in the crowd.
So what about the play?
Entering the theatre we got the first sight of Emily O'Hara’s stark, angular, minimalist set. It gave the impression this was to be more about performance than “spectacle”. When the cast appeared simple, but effective, costumes furthered that feeling. I knew Jessie had collaborated with choreographer Douglas Wright & composer Gareth Farr to add another dimension to this much performed play.
I can’t compare it to other performances (obviously) but several aspects stood out for me. All the cast were great, Robbie Magasiva’s Othello both physically & emotionally powerful. However, for me the standout character was Matt Minto’s Iago. His wry, at times humorous, devious slyness was perfectly pitched.
I loved how the whole theatre was used, when appropriate, bringing the performance into the aisles. This was a truly 3D production with no need for special glasses! The lighting was powerful with clever use of low silhouette lights for dramatic emphasis.
I thought the movement and music really helped tell the story although wonder what the “purists” would make of it. I must confess a quick pre-show visit to Wikipedia to brush up on the plot but it turned out that really wasn’t necessary. I gather the script was edited (it runs about 2 hours) but found the story easy to follow.
If you had asked me beforehand “Do you want to see Othello?” I’d have probably said no. Having seen Jessie’s interpretation of this classic I was so impressed I felt guilty not paying for the ticket. I’ve since made a contribution which I hope compensates for that.
To take a classic play, add music & choreography, attract a fine cast and convince both the experts (see their reviews below) and this irregular theatre goer proves what skill Jessie has as a Director. Bravo!
It is still on, until 13th August, go see it!
Peach Theatre Company presents Shakespeare's Othello.
Maidment Theatre, Auckland, July 21 - August 13.
To book visit www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz or phone 09 308 2383
www.peachtheatrecompany.co.nz
Starring Robbie Magasiva, George Henare, Matt Minto, Morgana O'Reilley, Olivia Tennett, Ciarin Smith, Mike Edward, Gypsy Kauta, Kevin Keys, and Ross Girven.
Direction - Jesse Peach; Design - Emily O'Hara; Movement - Douglas Wright;
Music - Gareth Farr.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGV7m4HZjpg&w=560&h=349]
