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Broadway’s “Othello” Breaks Box Office Records

Starring notable actors Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, the latest production of “Othello” has achieved remarkable success, recently becoming the highest-grossing Broadway play, amassing $2.8 million in a single week. This achievement reflects the star power and artistic prowess of the cast.

Washington expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s the most excited I’ve been this century. Seriously. I haven’t been this excited about anything I’ve done as I am about this.” Such a statement carries weight, given Washington’s status as an acclaimed actor, renowned for his roles in award-winning films like “Glory” and “Training Day.” He has often been regarded as one of the finest actors of recent times.

However, Washington once again distanced himself from the label of a “Hollywood actor.” “What’s the definition of a Hollywood actor?” he questioned, identifying himself more as a “Mt. Vernon actor” due to his roots in Mt. Vernon, New York. He insists that he is primarily a stage actor who also ventures into film, emphasizing the differences between acting for stage and screen. “Stage is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up; nobody can help you,” he asserted.

Washington takes on the titular role in “Othello,” which marks his sixth appearance on Broadway. In this production, he portrays Othello, a military general driven to violent actions by the manipulative ensign, Iago, played by Gyllenhaal. This modern rendition of Shakespeare’s text, originally penned around 1604, shifts the setting to a “near future,” addressing contemporary themes, including the struggles of service members dealing with PTSD.

Washington pointed out that “Othello” goes beyond mere jealousy and betrayal, highlighting the trust and bond between two soldiers. Gyllenhaal humorously responded to this interpretation, questioning what they had done to each other that led to such turmoil.

At 44, Gyllenhaal is well-regarded for his emotional depth in performances across various films, including “Brokeback Mountain” and “Nightcrawler.” Like Washington, he possesses a robust theater background, with “Othello” being his fourth Broadway project. Notably, this is his debut in a Shakespearean role, albeit he recalled performing “Much Ado About Nothing” in high school and finding humor in forgetting that experience.

In a recent visit to the Barrymore Theatre, Gyllenhaal expressed a profound love for the stage, noting how his character interacts dynamically with the audience, making each performance unique. Washington, now 70 and a seasoned performer of classical works, shared reflections on his journey with the language of Shakespeare over the years. He mentioned that he once felt unprepared for the complexity of Othello’s character and now embraces the deeper understanding of the relationships depicted in the play.

Historically, “Othello” has seen a variety of portrayals on Broadway, with Othello often played by white actors in blackface until Paul Robeson’s groundbreaking performance in 1943, which marked a significant shift in representation. James Earl Jones was the last to play the role on Broadway in 1982, serving as an inspiration for Washington during his earlier years.

The production’s commercial success has drawn mixed reactions, particularly regarding ticket prices, with some seats nearing $1,000. Despite the financial debates, audiences have responded positively to the show, with both stars enjoying the experience. Gyllenhaal noted that reaching this moment felt like a culmination of his career efforts, while Washington echoed the sentiment, stating it’s been a 48-year journey filled with rich experiences informing his portrayal of Othello.

As the excitement around “Othello” continues to build, both Washington and Gyllenhaal share a profound gratitude for the opportunity to bring this timeless story to life on stage.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Watch an extended interview with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal (Video)

       
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Story produced by Wonbo Woo and Sara Kugel. Editor: Remington Korper.

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