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Product Description
Book Description
Othello, a Moorish general in the service of Venice, has married Desdemona, beautiful daughter of a Venetian Senator. But Iago, Othello’s malignant ensign, is determined to destroy their happiness. Cunningly bending the greatness of Othello’s nature to his own purposes, Iago persuades the Moor that Desdemona is unfaithful to him. Tormented in a hell of jealousy, Othello moves inexorably toward the destruction of his innocent wife and himself. This great tragedy confronts the mystery at the heart of evil and contains some of Shakespeare’s most magnificent dramatic verse. The play is performed by Don Warrington, David Threlfall, and the Arkangel Cast.
From AudioFile
One of Shakespeare's four greatest tragedies, OTHELLO has been brought to stage and screen countless times. This recording, part of Arkangel's usually solid series of the Bard's plays, adds little to this history of performances. Don Warrington in the title role is awkwardly un-Moorish, though David Threlfall is more convincing as the villainous Iago - cold and calculating without any exaggerated fiendishness. Some of the minor characters shine also (particularly the Clown, who appears in just two scenes), but the music, often a highlight of Arkangel recordings, is unfortunately cloying and improbable in this production, adding another minor disappointment. D.B. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2.4 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific for understanding the play, Jan 4 2007
By T. Fleming "piggydiva" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Othello (Audio CD)
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!
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Dramatization, Mar 31 2008
By Meredith L. Burton "Bookworm" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Othello (Audio CD)
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.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
Arkangel usually outstanding...but, Nov 15 2010
By Badger75 - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Othello (Audio CD)
The Arkangel audio CD's of Shakespeare's plays have an outstanding reputation. Most are really first rate and are quite enjoyable to listen to. Hamlet, MacBeth and Julius Caesar are very well done, complete plays well interpreted. Which is all the more baffling as to why Othello and Merchant of Venice are so notably bad. The overall productions and main players seem to have been chosen to project caricature rather than serious adaptation. That may be a fair point in a class room, but these two plays deserve a serious presentation.
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