Othello, Royal Shakespeare Theatre ****

I have an apology to make. I have previously been critical of the RSC, saying that their productions have been too dry and dull and, up until now, I have found it to be true. However, it seems as if a new wave of directorial talent is leading to some really dynamic and exciting productions in Stratford. Othello is a prime example of a director really engaging with the text and producing a production that boils with tension, mixing vibrancy and institution superbly. Iqbal Quan's production mixes elements from both old and new, showing the deeply religious elements of Venice and the use of television screens. This idea of old coexisting with new is shown in the music, with Akintayo Akinbode using both traditional African music and modern RnB and 'rap battles'. This idea helps to reflect the two worlds within the play between both ages and classes, with Othello choosing an arithmetician rather than a soldier as his lieutenant or the age difference between Othello and his wife Desdemona. The subtlety to this is quite exquisitely done and creates satisfying moments. Water is also very important in the production, with Ciaran Bagnall designing this wonderful feature that works as a bath, a river, a hiding place, a table and a canal in an inspired design decision. Joanna Vanderham's style of acting feels eerily close to Olivia Vinall, whose Desdemona I didn't catch in the National's production, which was slightly distracting for me yet her choice to take the role and play her with more fire and sass thanis written for her felt fresh and interesting. Dharker plays Emilia with true passion and is the most sympathetic character in the production. Quarsie's Othello is very good also yet it is the anti hero that is the more impressive. Lucian Msmati makes a charismatic and likeable Iago which makes his divisive qualities seem impressive rather than detestable. At many points in the first half of this production, you find yourself rooting for Iago over Othello, which is helped by ironing out of some racial problems by having a black Iago. This RSC just feels a world away from the one I thought I knew which is a credit to Khan's inventive and memorable production.