Othello: Q&A

Othello: Q&A

We are so excited to be hosting Frantic Assembly for their run of Othello this week.

Frantic Assembly takes Shakespeare’s muscular and beautiful text, combines its own bruising physicality, and presents an Othello firmly rooted in a volatile 21st century. 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.

We spoke to Kirsty Stuart, who will be playing Emilia.

How are you feeling about the upcoming run at WTM?

Really excited! I’ve never been to Worthing before and it’s always lovely to visit the sea….even in November! The building and theatre space look amazing.

Tell us a bit about the show. What does it mean to bring Shakespeare’s work into the 21st Century?

As a performer and as an audience member, I love a modern re-telling of a classical play. Using text that was written hundreds of years ago, and marrying them with the modern world, makes the themes all the more powerful.

What has the production and development of this performance looked like?

We rehearsed in London for four weeks before heading to Leicester to open the show. This is the third outing of Othello so the majority of the production was already in place and as performers our job was to learn a show that already existed.  Having said that, Scott (director) always gave space for new ideas and conversations about movement and character, so it’s never felt like we were copying a previous production. The set has also been adapted since the last outing so there was fresh ideas that came with that too.

What’s your favourite part of the show?

That’s such a difficult question!

There is a moment at the end of the play where the set does something completely unexpected and the effect is totally cinematic and heart-breaking. I can’t say too much without giving it away! But when I first saw it with lights and sound in Leicester my jaw hit the floor.

For my character, Emilia, I love the scene between her and Desdemona. Just the two of them alone – a moment of quiet before the storm.

What was the hardest?!

During rehearsals we did an hour and a half of boot camp every morning to get us physically ready for the tour. Cardio, strength and ball games. Hard work…. but probably never been fitter in my life! We warm up every day on tour and that early hard work definitely paid off.

What do you hope to share with the audience?

Frantic Assembly have such a unique and thrilling way of telling a story. I hope that our audiences in Worthing will leave Othello feeling inspired and excited by live theatre!

What does Othello mean to you on both a personal level, and a professional one?

I have loved working with Frantic, and the company of actors get on so well it’s like a family. Being away from home on tour, it has been invaluable to feel safe and supported at every step.

I have never been in a show that has been so massively attended and so positively received. It is a privilege to step on stage every performance to tell this story.

Othello is directed by Scott Graham, designed by Laura Hopkins, with lighting design by Natasha Chivers, sound design by Gareth Fry, music by Hybrid and casting by Will Burton CDG.

Othello will be held at the Connaught Theatre from Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December 2022 at various times. Tickets are available from £12.50

Worthing Theatres and Museum is a registered charity, and we are committed to providing you with quality art and culture. For information on how you can support us as your local arts charity, such as donating or buying a membership, please click here.

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