Chapter 12 Flashcards
During which historical period did performances of Othello undergo significant changes?
.
Answer: The Restoration
What notable change occurred during the Restoration in the performances of Othello?
Answer: An actress first played the role of Desdemona.
What modifications were made to the original text of Othello in the 18th century?
Answer: Numerous cuts were made to refine the text in the interests of decorum.
Describe the two main types of stage interpretation of Othello during the 19th century.
Answer: The restrained, dignified, deeply troubled Moor and the portrayal of torrential sexual passion and wild jealousy.
How did some actors in the 20th century approach the character of Iago in Othello?
Answer: Some infused characteristics from modern clinical psychology, while others explored subconscious homosexuality as Iago’s motive.
In Olivier’s 1935 portrayal of Iago, what unique interpretation did he bring to the character?
Answer: Olivier’s Iago was depicted as being in love with Othello, covering his longing with a joky malignity.
How was Olivier’s Othello portrayed in the 20th century?
.
Answer: Olivier’s Othello was a white construct of a black male identity—physically powerful, highly sexualized, emotionally intemperate, and gullible
When did Othello begin to have a successful career in film, and who directed the first English-language film version?
Answer: In the 20th century. Orson Welles directed the first English-language film version in 1952.
Question: How have some contemporary stage directors aimed to challenge stereotypes in Othello?
.
Answer: They are determined to eliminate the ‘colour as character’ stereotype, emphasizing that Othello’s actions are not solely defined by his race
Question: When did the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) have its first black actor play the role of Iago?
Answer: In 2015, Lucian Msamati became the first black actor to play Iago at the RSC.
