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Average Customer Rating:

A Wonderful Dramatization

Customer Rating:

I love listening to British dramatizations of literary works! The Archangel Casts rendition of Shakespeare's "Othello" is extremely well done. Shakespeare's original text is read in a vibrant fashion, complete with sound effects and music. The themes of jealousy, revenge, racism, and deception are clearly evident. The primise of this play concerns a Moorish general in the Venetian army who is in love with a Senator's daughter, Desdemona. The couple marry, much to the anger and chagrin of Desdemona's father, Brabantio. Before the couple can consummate their marriage, Othello is sent to Cypress in order to defend the island from Turkish invaders. Desdemona pleads to be allowed to accompany him, and is granted permission. She will follow her husband in the company of Iago, Othello's "ensign," or servant, who has his own agenda. Iago is bitterly angry with Othello for promoting an officer named Cassio to the rank of Lieutenant when Iago feels he is the one who deserves the job. Iago also believes that Othello slept with his own wife, Emilia. Resolving to be avenged, the psychopathically evil and manipulative ensign concocts a diabolical plan to convence Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. What follows is a psychological drama in which Othello wrestles with doubts and confusion as he tries to learn the truth and ultimately descends into madness. Move over soap operas! The cast in this dramatization is excellent. David Threlfall is unsurpassable as Iago. His soft, seductive voice, (almost reminiscent of melting chocolate), simultaneously throbs with pretended concern and demonic joy. His soliluquies will chill you as you listen to his remorseless tones crescendo into jeering laughter. Anne Marie Duff is wonderful as Desdemona, providing the listener with a portrayal of innocence and heartbreaking sadness and fear. A special note needs to be made for Clive Swift who portrays Brabantio so well. Swift portrayed Richard on "Keeping Up Appearances," and I enjoyed listening to him in a serious role. My only complaint about this production is Don Warrington who plays Othello. His accent is very thick, and it might help you to have a text of the play in front of you when he is speaking. This is the only reason I gave this dramatization four stars, but please do not let this put you off. The production is excellently done and should be listened to. Please give it a chance.

Terrific for understanding the play

Customer Rating:

As a high school English teacher I struggle with students' bad attitudes toward Shakespeare. Forget reading it aloud! They have no idea what they are saying, and it is painful for all of us. And having them read it on their own is a joke, as they will stop after a page because they can't understand what they are reading. This unabridged, dramatized reading of Othello is a perfect solution for anyone who wants to read and understand Shakespeare in his original vernacular without reading some kind of "updated" version. The characters are distinct, the pace exciting, and the included music really sets the scene. You could just listen to the CD, but if you're not familiar with the story or you have trouble with Shakespeare, I would follow along with a text as well. And of course, listen to it more than once because you will pick up new ideas or images each time--I know I do! I have purchased this product twice (once on tape and once on CD). I would love to have a whole Shakespeare set of these!

Arkangel's Recording of Othello Disappoints

Customer Rating:

I bought this recording with high hopes. What better complement to reading Shakespeare than hearing him, right? Well, not with this recording. The cast is made up of "distinguished actors," the insert proclaims, but it's obvious that these actors haven't done Shakespeare since they were in junior high school. Nor have they improved since then: none of the actors has any feel for the Shakespearean line. The speaking is stiff and mechanical, and half the time it sounds like a Monty Python farce! When there are no visual effects to distract us, low-quality acting really sticks out. For audio recordings, you need the best voices. Too bad Arkangel didn't realize this. My advice? Grind up these CDs and use them to fertilize your nasturtiums.