In my essay I will be comparing Elizabethan classical Othello with the modern Frantic Assembly Othello. I will be comparing the techniques used within both performances. I will also be comparing the differences and the similarities between the two. I will be describing the costumes and technology that were used and the differences between theatres then and now. Things that went on in theatres then, what were not allowed and how theatres have changed in the twenty first century.
Othello stands today as a masterpiece among films presentation of theatre productions. Shakespeare tragic story of how a great man’s vanity is manipulated by jealous aide to bring about his downfall. One of Shakespeare’s most powerful dramas is presented here. In Frantic Assembly Othello it was performed in a physical theatre style which body language was used to show their point of view and the music was very current and new.
The set had the illusion of a local pub; it’s consisted of a fruit machine, a dart board, a pool table and chairs that were frequently used to balance on because in physical theatre props are needed for this use and a ladies toilet door that was turn around to reveal the inside where private and intimate girl talk took place. There was an epic effect where the set opens right in front of the spectators to show a back wall that was used for the street fight scene. The set was really realistic and quit modern
The costumes the performers were wearing are contemporary and very casual; they wore tract suits, trainers and jeans, although they did dress Othello in a smart shirt and jeans to show his statues. There were not much costume changes except twice between the friends and once when they had the street fight. This particular piece of theatrical performance was held at the Lyric Theatre which welcomes people from all ages and race, students had attended, middle age, elders, mixed race and young adults.
The spectators were seated from the four wall view. They used electrical lighting and it changes to suit each mood the actors were in. the music had a big impact on the whole piece because of the style it is performed in the music helped them to express their feelings and to convey their characters. The theatre has a racked stage and a proscenium arched style. We were sat in the stalls but the audience filled the upper circles too and the upper class were seated in the private area above, this type of theatre is known as a Fringed Theatre.
The Lyric theatre seems very traditional and is well known for its black comedies. Classical Othello was made in the Elizabethan period and the style of drama that was used was melodrama comparing to Frantic Assembly their performance were more subtle. The piece was performed in an ancient style because their gestures were very over the top and the languages that were used were Shakespearian text. Unlike modern Othello, they spoke with a bit of modern day slang and northern accents which is more relatable to people of the twenty first century.
Technology was not up to date so they did not have electrical lighting; they had to perform in roofless theatres under the light of day and occasional they would use artificial lighting which was very dangerous knowing that most theatres built in those times were made of fragile material that were susceptible to fire like timber, lath and plaster. The music and special effects that were used in the classic was very limited and was only used to build tension when there was a fight scene and to show triumph and celebration after a fight but very rarely you would hear any music or see much special effect during the whole piece.
The actors were dressed in tunics and drapes; Othello was dress in a white drape and had this huge medal looking chain around his neck to show his status like what a chief would wear and Desdemona’s costume also showed her status. In difference to Frantic Assembly’s performer their costumes wear very current and Desdemona’s costume did not look any different to the other people in the pub scene so she just blended in with the rest of crowd, even though Othello’s costume did show his status in both versions.
There is one thing that still remains the same and it is very symbolic in Othello and that he was played by a black man in both versions. Theatre has changed a lot since the Elizabethan period; people were allowed to do certain things while other things were forbidden; People were allowed to shout, throw things on stage, they had freedom of speech. Although no females were allow and they had to wear masks to disguise their selves, ethnic origins were forbidden; only aristocrats were welcome.
There were no controversial issues being brought up in theatre (no politics) and no under age were allowed (students, family etc. . But theatre has had a big turn around since then; people from all ages, ethnic background were welcome, people applauded during and after a performing. Actors were treated very differently by members of the public when performance; people took photographs, they talked, some fell asleep and the more reserved people took an interest. In modern times like these theatres are allowed to bring up any political issues they feel to and theatre is now capable of leaving any sort of effect or impact on an audience when they leave.
