ED2013 2/5 Reviews ED2013 Theatre Reviews

Honest Iago And Three Other Choice Villains (RHR Productions)

By | Published on Tuesday 20 August 2013

Shakespeare’s villains are deceitful, manipulative, can be kings or soldiers, and can bring death and sorrow. With such a multiplicity of wickedness this show presents a selection which includes some of the most malevolent characters from ‘Othello’, ‘Richard III’, ‘Hamlet’ and ‘King Lear’, all interpreted by actor Richard Smithies. For each villain, the most prominent soliloquy or scene is recited, but the performances are flat and detached from one another. Furthermore, there is little that distinguishes the representation of Iago’s mischief, Claudius’ resentment and Edmund’s displeasure. The most compelling scene is that of Richard III which truly brings the seduction and disgust for the character. Unfortunately, the disconnection between each villain and the dispassionate delivery of the lines, make of this an unsympathetic reiteration of Shakespeare’s works.

theSpace on the Mile, until 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 3.50pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Natalia Equihua]



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