Frantic Assembly’s award-winning production of Othello
Paranoia, sex and murder are at the heart of Frantic Assembly’s touring production of its award-winning and electrifying take on Othello.
The play exposes the tension and fear which is buried beneath the veneer of close relationships – and how easily those relationships can be maliciously exploited.
‘It is wonderful to be able to take our work back out on tour, to connect and demonstrate the talent of this brilliant cast within a story that feels as urgent and thrilling as ever,’ says Scott Graham, Frantic Assembly Co-Founder and Artistic Director.
Frantic Assembly takes Shakespeare’s text and firmly roots it in the setting of the modern world. The play itself tells the story of how a ‘hero’ character can be deliberately betrayed by his closest ally in a dastardly plot to bring about his downfall.
Othello’s deep love for Desdemona is drawn into sharp focus by his questioning of her faithfulness to him and all because he listened to the venomous words of a man he trusted but who turned out to be a false friend.
Directed by Frantic Assembly’s artistic director and co-founder Scott Graham and designed by Laura Hopkins, this is a world of broken glass and broken promises, of poisonous manipulation and explosive violence.
Othello’s passionate affair with Desdemona becomes the catalyst for jealousy, betrayal, revenge and the darkest intents.
The main cast members include: Michael Akinsulire (Trigger Point, Stephen, ITV) will play Othello, Joe Layton (The Unreturning, Frantic Assembly; Young Wallander, Netflix) will play Iago with Chanel Waddock (Rock, Paper, Scissors, Sheffield Crucible; Hamlet, National Theatre) playing the role of Desdemona.
Five members of the Othello cast and creative team are past graduates of Frantic Assembly’s ‘Ignition’ programme which aims to develop talent in young people who’re aged between 16-24.
Othello is directed by Scott Graham and is running at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from 11 – 15 October.
Imagery of Frantic Assembly’s Othello production. Photographer: Tristram Kenton. Cast: Othello (Michael Akinsulire) and Desdemona (Chanel Waddock).