Smash hit opening for Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal--in Broadway version of Shakespeare's Othello.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/24/entertainment/denzel-washington-and-jake-gyllenhaal-othello/index.html

I have only seen 2 of Shakespeare's plays live.

The other was an amateur version of As you like it, in Rangoon, before 1962, staged by my brilliant Britsh Council lecturer, Raymond Adlam.

Though I was a big fan of Adlam, who also acted, and conducted orchestras, I am not so keen on light comedy. I veer towards the grand and tragic stories.

In the 1994 version directed by Mary Robinson, Iago is the most evil stage character ever invented--like you know who--he plants the handkerchief that will undo Othello--the veteran hero admiral, just because he can.

Written in the 16th century, Iago depicts Evil like no other.

He comes right up to the footlights of the stage, and tells the audience straight off, what he's going to do--this and this and this--and it is Chilling.

It's said Sigmund Freud studied Shakespeare's plays.

So should we, in these "interesting" and chilling times.

Kyi May Kaung

3-24-2025