William Shakespeare's Othello, one of the buzziest productions of the Broadway season, officially opened on Broadway on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. This highly anticipated revival, directed by Kenny Leon, stars Denzel Washington as Othello and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, with a talented cast that further includes Molly Osborne as Desdemona, Andrew Burnap as Cassio, Anthony Michael Lopez as Roderigo, Daniel Pearce as Brabantio, and Kimber Elayne Sprawl as Emilia.
Alongside them, the ensemble features Neal Bledsoe as The Duke of Venice, Julee Cerda as Bianca, Ezra Knight as Montano, Gene Gillette as Gratiano, Rob Heaps as Lodovico, and an array of ensemble members including William Connell, Ty Fanning, Ben Graney, Abiola Obatolu, Daniel Reece, Christina Sajous, Sarah Thorn, and Greg Wood.
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal light up the stage in Shakespeare's dramatic tale of jealousy and betrayal.
With stars like Washington and Gyllenhaal, perhaps it's no surprise that Othello quickly became the highest-grossing Broadway play ever, pulling in an astounding $2.8 million in a single week. Washington expressed his excitement about the project, 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." Known for his roles in iconic films like Glory and Training Day, Washington has often been hailed as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century.
Yet, he emphasizes a distinction in his craft: "I'm a stage actor who does film; it's not the other way around. I did stage first. I learned how to act on stage, not on film. Movies are a filmmaker's medium. You shoot it, and then you're gone and they cut together and add music and do all of that. Theater is an actor's medium. The curtain goes up, nobody can help you." This production is Washington's sixth Broadway show in his illustrious career.
Jake Gyllenhaal, recognized for his emotional range in films like Brokeback Mountain, plays the cunning Iago, who seeks revenge on his former comrade after being passed over for a promotion. The production interprets Othello in a modern context, setting the tragic tale "in the near future" and exploring relevant themes, such as soldiers grappling with PTSD.
As Gyllenhaal insightfully noted, “People, you know, they ordinarily think, 'Oh yeah, it's about jealousy. And he betrays him.' No, it's about two soldiers who trust each other with their lives.” His character, Iago, cleverly navigates this trust, twisting it into manipulation and deceit.
At 44, Gyllenhaal is also a theater veteran, with this being his fourth Broadway appearance. Reflecting on the performance's intimacy, he stated, "It's my favorite place to be," emphasizing how the character of Iago often interacts directly with the audience, creating a communal experience. Gyllenhaal describes it as dynamic, where every performance feels unique.
Washington, now 70, has a profound history with Shakespeare plays as well, having portrayed Richard III and Julius Caesar on stage and starred in film adaptations of Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth. He recalls feeling unprepared and lacking understanding when he first played Othello as a college student, realizing now that the play revolves around deep bonds of love and trust that unravel tragically.
Othello is no stranger to Broadway, having been staged more than 20 times. However, a marked change in its history came in 1943 when Paul Robeson delivered a definitive performance, breaking from the past tradition of blackface portrayals of Othello. The last noted Broadway portrayal by a black actor before this new revival was James Earl Jones, whose performance in 1982 set a high bar.
"James Earl Jones was my northern star when I was in college," Washington reflected. Now, he feels it is his time to step into the role, with the added challenge and opportunity of a new interpretation that resonates with contemporary audiences. The high demand for tickets has driven prices sky-high, with prime seats nearing $1,000, inciting some criticism yet leading to packed theaters every night.
Gyllenhaal expressed how this opportunity resonates deeply with both of them: "You get to a point where you're like, 'Oh, I've worked my whole career for this, for this moment.'" Washington echoed this sentiment, noting, "I worked my whole career for this moment. This is a 48-year journey for me." His remarks showcase a blend of pride, humility, and a sense of accomplishment that has unfolded over decades in the theater and film industry.
As the audience responds enthusiastically, it’s clear this interpretation of Othello has struck a chord, prompting eager engagement and emotional investment from theatergoers. This production is not only set to redefine a timeless story but has also positioned itself as a landmark event in Broadway history.
In a world where discussions of identity, loyalty, and betrayal are more relevant than ever, Washington and Gyllenhaal’s Othello is a profound reflection of the human experience, illustrating the timeless themes embedded in Shakespeare’s works.
