On March 23, 2025, Broadway’s revival of Shakespeare’s classic play Othello made a notable entrance at the Barrymore Theatre, marking a momentous occasion not only for its cast but also for theater enthusiasts and history itself. Starring renowned actors Denzel Washington as Othello and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, the production, directed by Kenny Leon, is already being hailed as a record-breaking success.
The opening night festivities were attended by a slew of celebrities, including notable stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Anna Wintour, who graced the red carpet to celebrate the occasion. This revival has reportedly become Broadway’s top-grossing play of all time, garnering an impressive $2.8 million during its initial preview performances, outpacing the previous record holder, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which earned slightly over $2.7 million in December 2023.
Denzel Washington shared insight into his journey with the role, reflecting on his first performance as Othello at the tender age of 22, four decades earlier while attending Fordham University. “This is a 48-year journey for me,” Washington explained in an extended interview with CBC Sunday Morning, where he reminisced about the evolution of his acting career. He candidly stated, “I know a lot less now. I thought I knew everything then! I didn’t really like the part because I wasn’t wise enough to understand it. Now I understand it’s really about a bond, you know, that these characters have. He loves not wisely, but too well.”
Jake Gyllenhaal, in his first professional Shakespeare venture, has worked diligently to connect with the language and the character he portrays. Recalling an early dramatic experience, he noted, “When you’re out in the wings, when you’re waiting, that feeling made me love acting from the very beginning when I was a kid. It doesn’t change, that feeling and that excitement, the joy of being able to do what we do.” He added, “You get to a point where you’re like, ‘Oh, I’ve worked my whole career for this moment.’”
Despite the production's commercial success, critics have delivered mixed reviews regarding its modernization, which is set in the “near future.” Some have raised concerns about the impact of this contemporary angle on the show's depth and emotional connection. Chris Jones from the New York Daily News noted a disconnect in the dynamic between Washington and his co-star, Molly Osborne, who plays Desdemona. Jones described their interactions as more paternalistic rather than romantic, saying, “You don’t feel much of a sexual connection between Othello and Desdemona.”
Moreover, critics have singled out Washington’s performance, with some suggesting it lacked the intensity needed to fully convey Othello’s transformation into jealousy and suspicion. “While he is fine at first as a stately military leader and relaxed new husband, he does not credibly convey the character’s transformation,” opined Matt Windman from AMNY, describing the production as “pedestrian” and “uninspired.” In contrast, Gyllenhaal received praise for his portrayal of Iago, with reviewers noting his earnest delivery and commanding presence on stage.
The production's ability to attract a wealthy audience and its distinctive creative choices such as contemporary costumes designed by Dede Ayite have been both praised for their boldness and critiqued for their potential to alienate traditionalists. Jesse Green from the New York Times suggested that the modern setting detracted from the artistic undertones of the play without enhancing its thematic nuances. He remarked, “In short, as I felt the production’s blunt force more and more, I grasped its aura and aims less and less.”
Nevertheless, Washington remains optimistic and energized as he embraces this creative endeavor. “This is the most excited I’ve been this century,” he declared, underlining the significance this role holds for him at this stage of his career. The production runs for a limited 15-week season that will conclude on July 8, 2025, providing audiences a fleeting opportunity to catch this ambitious rendition of Othello.
As Broadway's stage transforms into a crucible for age-old themes of love, betrayal, and ambition, this revival serves as a reminder of how the craft of acting—and the material that inspires it—remains timeless, despite the changes in its presentation. Expect more on the discussions surrounding this timely revival as audiences continue to engage with its powerful performances and provocative interpretations throughout its run.
