‘Othello’ Screening – Oct 2026
As part of our Drama Scholarship and Enrichment Programme, students recently watched theatre production company Frantic Assembly’s adaptation of Othello, which they performed and toured with from 2022 to 2023.
Following the screening students got together for a post-performance discussion where they shared their own thoughts on the play while thinking critically about the meaning behind Frantic Assembly’s adaptation and themes from Shakespeare’s original text, and how they might still resonate today amongst society.
Two of our students share their thoughts on the screening and discussion.
Year 9’s Kitty
“Frantic Assembly had a truly great interpretation of Othello. Originally written by Shakespeare, this adaptation was set in the modern day, with modern clothing, accents and setting. However, it was spoken in Shakespearean, creating a bridge between the new, familiar world and the old one. This is particularly effective in a tragedy like Othello because it left us feeling more connected to the work, adding a certain weight and sincerity to the performance.
Othello also explores sensitive topics such as race, gender, murder and suicide. Frantic Assembly approached these topics with sensitivity, authenticity and subtlety when needed. They used stylised and nuanced movement to further explore character relationships and overarching themes.
We watched the determination of Iago as he drove Othello and Desdemona apart. The seeds of doubt he plants in Othello’s head gradually grow larger, slowly creating distance and tension between him and Desdemona. He even frames Desdemona as having an affair with Cassio.
These acts and conversations increasingly affect everyone until we eventually end up with multiple unanticipated murders, injuries and a suicide after Iago’s plans to murder Cassio and Desdemona do not go the way he intended. Demonstrating the huge consequences of the petty resentment engraved in Iago.
Overall, Frantic Assembly gave us a symbolic and interesting performance with plenty to interpret.”
Year 10’s Clem
“After every screening, we hold a post-performance discussion to explore questions and ideas about the production we have watched. It’s an amazing opportunity to share thoughts and opinions with others who enjoyed the show just as much as you did.
During our discussion of Frantic Assembly’s Othello, we explored key quotations and different themes within the play that interested and inspired us as students and actors.
These conversations mean we learn fresh perspectives, improve our understanding of the play, and think about what we could use in our own performances as actors.”
