Othello Reviews!

Last week of Othello! Don't miss out! Tues 19 June 10am - BOOKED OUT! Tues 19 June 8pm - 20 seats left! Wed 20 June 8pm - 10 seats left! Thu 21 June 8pm - BOOKED OUT! Best times to catch this fantastic production - Fri 22 & Sat 23 June 8pm - The Rechabites Hall, 224 William St, Northbridge (Bookings thru BOCS) Here are the reviews/comments so far: Diana Day, Theatre Australia Website: “The opening night performance of 'Othello' at the Rechabites was brilliant.” “Dan Luxton is a superb Cassio, handsome, charming, aware of his weaknesses but unable to control them.” “Kim (Walsh) beautifully handles Desdemona's transition to uncertainty, and in the final scene when she begs to be allowed to live, has a childlike simpleness that I found very touching.” “Angelique (Malcolm)'s portrayal of Emilia is beautifully paced, subtle and deep”. “Ian Bolgia was to me the wonderful surprise of the evening. His Othello developed from the comfortable, confident and successful Venetian general at the beginning of the play to the violent, irrational, pitiable murderer at the end.” Gordon Johnston, Theatre Australia Website: ..”the cast had impeccable timing, plenty of body action and with all the emotions demanded by a Shakespearean play being transferred beautifully to this modern version. Every member of the cast became totally involved with their characters, with some touching moments.” “Under the fantastic direction of Perth’s King of Shakespeare (Stephen Lee), the usual pit falls of Shakespeare have been neatly avoided” Daniel Kershaw, Theatre Australia Website: “I think what is Stephen (Lee)'s talent as a director is his use of space. He has a great understanding and command of the stage.” “I thoroughly enjoyed the play and highly recommend everyone to go and see it.” Shirley Van Sanden: “That was a fabulous night at the theatre! The production was brilliant, the direction was fantastic and the acting was terrific! You deserve another sell out season. We overheard a youngster behind us say "I can understand every word". Most impressed with the domestic dispute off stage so that we could see the reactions of the bystanders on stage!” Australian Stage Online , Sarah Green: “David Meadows gave an outstanding and frighteningly believable performance as Iago. His rage in soliloquoy earned the audience’s shocked silence and his disturbingly convincing sincerity when speaking with Othello only made his spotlighted soliloquies more sickening as he revealed his poisonous intent. His verse-speaking was simply superb and he also extracted a number of laughs along the way.” “Kim Walsh is an attractive Desdemona but there is little real sense of a close relationship between her and Othello. She played her part of beguiling simplicity commendably and her best performance was in the final scene. The more worldly-wise Emilia, played by Angelique Malcolm, put in a solid performance as the shrewish, jaded wife of Iago. James Davies as the foppish Roderigo was very good, and Dan Luxton made a solid, likeable Cassio.” “Director Stephen Lee created a great sense of urgency in the pacing of the first half” .”I would especially recommend the performance to schools studying the script as this is a play that should not just be read but heard.” “…this was a marvelous and clearly thought through production well worth the view. “ John Aitken, Australian Stage Online: “A fine production. Should be seen by all students of theatre.” The West Australian – June 11 2007 Ruth Callaghan: “David Meadows plays Iago with a disturbing familiarity: his villain is not the pantomime or B-movie evil nemesis variety, but an ordinary, deeply bitter man who can disguise his malice and actions well and would not be out of place in any office or social group.” “Meadow’s performance is strongest in this version, directed by Stephen Lee, but he is well supported by the other chief actors, as well as Lee himself, who brings real life to some of the minor characters.” “…there are some fine moments, particularly in the second half of the play. You might find it hard to applaud Iago.” Miley Tunnecliffe: “Congrats on Othello! To be honest I usually get quite bored watching old Shakes... but I really enjoyed your production and by the second act I has surprised to find myself completely enthralled!”