SIMON PARSONS is discomfited by an unflichingly negative portrait of motherhood and its trials
Classic production of Othello
GORDON PARSONS hails a magnificent performance by a cast who make sure that every word can be heard and understood
PAUL FOLEY recommends an extraordinary double bill that packs a punch and leaves you reeling
MARY CONWAY is disappointed by a play about AI that results in a deadening disconnect for its audience
SIMON PARSONS applauds an insightful state-of-the-nation play that explores the growing class divide in South Africa
MATTHEW HAWKINS pays tribute to the performance artist and costumier, Leigh Bowery
SIMON DUFF reviews a new composition by German composer and pianist Florian Weber that blurs the line between where improvisation ends and composition begins
New releases from The Jim Mullen Quartet, Caroline Kraabel/John Edwards, and Matthew Muneses/Riza Printup
Othello
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
WHEN Peter Hall and John Barton launched the RSC in 1960, they were determined to establish not only a permanent company but one with its own style of acting or Method, based on “the word first and the Method second.” This approach produced some of the greatest theatrical productions of the century.
Sadly time and financial strictures have long since replaced the company’s work with a great variety of Shakespeare productions from visiting directors, with some remarkable results but many failing through aiming for eye-catching novelty.
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