A groundbreaking revival of “Othello”, featuring the acclaimed talents of Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, has made history on Broadway. This production, hosted at the Barrymore Theatre, has become Broadway’s top-grossing play of all time, achieving an impressive $2.8 million in revenue during its first eight preview performances. This remarkable feat has allowed it to surpass the previous record held by “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which generated over $2.7 million in December 2023, as reported by Deadline.
In a recent interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, both Washington and Gyllenhaal shared their excitement and passion for this remarkable project. 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.” In this revival, Washington takes on the iconic role of Othello, while Gyllenhaal portrays the manipulative ensign, Iago.
The plot of Othello, a classic work by William Shakespeare, centers around the tragic tale of a military commander who becomes consumed by jealousy and suspicion. Othello, portrayed by Washington, believes his wife has been unfaithful, manipulated by the treacherous Iago. This timeless narrative delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships.
Now at the age of 70, Washington reflects on his journey with the character of Othello, having first played the role during his college years at Fordham University. He reminisced about the differences between his youthful interpretation and his current understanding of the character. “I know a lot less now. I thought I knew everything then!” Washington remarked. He elaborated on the depth of the character, noting, “I didn’t really like the part, ‘cause 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.”
Both Washington and Gyllenhaal are incredibly thrilled about the production's success. Gyllenhaal articulated the significance of this moment, saying, “You get to a point where you’re like, ‘Oh, I’ve worked my whole career for this, for this moment.’” This revival of “Othello” is not only a celebration of Shakespeare’s work but also a testament to the enduring power of theater and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
