Othello
“An Explosive 21st Century Adaptation From Masterpiece Theatre”
Synopsis
With freshly rechristened characters and brand-new dialogue, this British TV production of Othello is a "rethinking" of Shakespeare's play, albeit still retaining the original's power and potency. The story is set in the London of the near future, a crime-ridden metropolis virtually torn apart by racial hostilities. By order of the Prime Minister, black police officer John Othello (Eamonn Walker) is promoted to Commissioner, a post dearly coveted by Othello's friend, mentor and fellow officer Ben Jago (Christopher Eccleston). Seething with jealousy, Jago contrives to discredit Othello in the eyes of the public, and to destroy John's interracial marriage to the lily-white Dessie (Keeley Hawes). Among those used as unwitting dupes to gain Jago's ends are Othello's trusted lieutenant, Michael Cass (Richard Coyle), scrupulously honest police constable Alan Roderick (Del Synnott), and Jago's own wife, Lulu (Rachael Stirling).
Top Cast
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Christopher Eccleston
Ben Jago
Eamonn Walker
John Othello
Keeley Hawes
Dessie Brabant
Richard Coyle
Michael Cass
Rachael Stirling
Lulu
Del Synnott
Alan Roderick
Michelle Newell
Alma
Christopher Fox
PC Adey
Bill Paterson
Sinclair Carver
Carl McCrystal
Geoffrey
Tim Faraday
Chief Superintendent
Joss Ackland
James Brabant
Claire Oberman
prosecuting counsel
Jon Snow
Newsreader
Anna Niland
Estelle
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Geoffrey Sax
- Screenplay & Story
- Andrew Davies, William Shakespeare
- Original Score
- Debbie Wiseman
- Original Title
- Othello
- Country of Origin
- Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Production Studios
- LWT, GBH, CBC
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Geoffrey Sax
Andrew Davies, William Shakespeare
Debbie Wiseman
Daf Hobson
Nick Arthurs
Michele Buck, Julie Gardner, Jo Wright, Anne Pivcevic
Department Leadership Roster
Geoffrey Sax
Director
Andrew Davies
Writer
Julie Gardner
Producer
Debbie Wiseman
Original Music Composer
Malcolm Thornton
Production Design
Les Lansdown
Costume Design
Daf Hobson
Director of Photography
Anne Pivcevic
Producer
Nick Arthurs
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Othello.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Othello
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Othello about?
With freshly rechristened characters and brand-new dialogue, this British TV production of Othello is a "rethinking" of Shakespeare's play, albeit still retaining the original's power and potency. The story is set in the London of the near future, a crime-ridden metropolis virtually torn apart by racial hostilities. By order of the Prime Minister, black police officer John Othello (Eamonn Walker) is promoted to Commissioner, a post dearly coveted by Othello's friend, mentor and fellow officer Ben Jago (Christopher Eccleston). Seething with jealousy, Jago contrives to discredit Othello in the eyes of the public, and to destroy John's interracial marriage to the lily-white Dessie (Keeley Hawes). Among those used as unwitting dupes to gain Jago's ends are Othello's trusted lieutenant, Michael Cass (Richard Coyle), scrupulously honest police constable Alan Roderick (Del Synnott), and Jago's own wife, Lulu (Rachael Stirling).
Who directed Othello?
Othello was directed by Geoffrey Sax.
Who stars in Othello?
The principal cast of Othello includes Christopher Eccleston, Eamonn Walker, Keeley Hawes, Richard Coyle, Rachael Stirling.
When was Othello released and how long is it?
Othello was released in 2001 with a total runtime of 1h 38m.
Who composed the musical score for Othello?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Othello was composed by Debbie Wiseman.