Othello: Performers' physical interpretation of character (build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture, gesture, facial expression)

Othello: Performers’ physical interpretation of character (build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture, gesture, facial expression)

Understanding Performers’ Physical Interpretation in Othello

Overall Interpretations

  • Interpreting the character demands understanding the text and directorial vision for a crucial link between character psychology and physical expression.
  • The performers must be able to represent the extreme emotions of Othello such as anger, jealousy, remorse, and love through their physicality.

Othello

  • Othello’s commanding build and height can symbolise authority and power, underlying his position as a respected General.
  • His age should reflect his life experience, wisdom, and maturity.
  • His facial expressions should showcase a range of emotions, from initial calm and love, to turmoil and rage.
  • Movement and posture should reflect his military background; authoritative and disciplined, deteriorating as his jealousy intensifies.
  • Key gestures should be decisive and powerful but become erratic and disorganised as his mental state unravels.

Desdemona

  • Desdemona’s youthful age and smaller build contrast with Othello, representing her innocence and vulnerability.
  • Her facial features should be expressive and convey her kindness and confusion about Othello’s rage.
  • Facial expressions could shift from joy and love to fear and sadness.
  • Her movement should be graceful and collected initially, becoming constrained when faced with Othello’s hostility.
  • Gestures such as reaching out to Othello and trembling hands can portray her love, fear, and desperation.

Iago

  • Iago’s physical interpretation should embody deception and manipulation, contrasting with his seemingly loyal nature.
  • Facial features should maintain a manipulated mask, hiding his true intentions.
  • Gestures and expressions should reflect cunning, such as mischievous smiles, furtive glances, or sly gestures.
  • He may not be particularly imposing physically but should command the stage through his manipulative charisma.
  • His posture and movement should balance acting subservient to Othello, while asserting control when alone or with Roderigo.

Turning Physical Interpretations into Performance

  • Physical expression of character is key to understanding their inner workings and conveying this to the audience.
  • The performer’s skill lies in their ability to communicate a character’s complexity, development and psychological journey through physicality.
  • This contributes massively to the dramatic impact of a performance and the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the play.