Eamonn Walker considers the Globe Audience

June 5, 2007

Have any of the audiences’ responses to Othello surprised you?

Most of the responses to Othello I didn’t anticipate.

What has been proven to me in this particular production, with this particular audience, because I know this play really well, is that the audience disagree with Brabantio.

I was always able to imagine Brabantio’s racism in the first half [Act I, Scene ii] was a sign of the times in which the play was written and back then most people would have agreed with Brabantio.

At the Globe you can hear the audience’s reaction to Brabantio’s words, it’s a visceral moment. That man starts with all that stuff, and you can hear the audience writhing against him and going: ‘un-cool!’, ‘not cool!’ and it’s not just the kids. It is a sign of the times, we’ve moved on. I am not saying racism doesn’t exist because we all know it does, but I am glad to see that we have moved on. In that special space that an audience and an actor share, in the magic arena where we can hear each other, where we can hear each other breathe, I can hear them disagreeing with what is coming out of his mouth.

And therefore they jump into the relationship of Desdemona and Othello, much quicker, much harder and commit to it more. That makes the payoff at the end when Desdemona dies much stronger. I can see the horror in people’s faces. If there is one thing I can do while I am killing Desdemona and I am looking out, I can see the horror on people’s faces and in it’s not just women, its men. People don’t know what their bodies are doing and I can see them. They are holding themselves because they are convinced that she is being hurt.

Let me tell you that every night Desdemona comes out unscarred, but I am glad it looks truly horrible.

Comments

By jamie smith on November 14, 2007

i really enjoyed the play i want to see it again

By Marlise Andrews on September 19, 2007

Saw the play in the summer and it stirred me. Othello was always my favourite Shakespeare play and I'm now teaching it to my sixth form. Trying to translate the passion and emotion of the play to my students. Everyone's performance was just beautiful. Eamonn is quite real in his performance.
Wondering if Eamonn is doing any workshops at schools this Autumn?

By Andrew Christian on September 2, 2007

wow!!! I must say that i honestly had to slap myself once i realized that Othello was played by none other than Eamonn Walker, the brilliant actor i remember for his roles on screen such as Oz, Lord of War, and Tears of the Sun. Actually being from Houston, Texas; I was in England studying at Cambridge over the summer when i had the opportunity to see this show at the Globe. That was the most breathtaking and impassionate Shakespearian performance I have ever seen in my entire life. I actually saw the performance back in July though. The performance was so moving. I really could see the complexity of your character through the intense levels of emotion you displayed. Being the amateur actor that I am your performance has really given me a great deal of aspiration to be able to give such a talented presentation. That was by far my favorite Othello ever portrayed not to mention the greatest play I have ever seen in my entire life. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. Fantastic job Eamonn

God Bless,
Andrew Christian

By Lindi Kirwin on August 23, 2007

My first time at The Globe and I was blown away by Othello.
I was totally engrossed!!
I shall definitely make a point of seeing further productions in the future.
SUPERB!!

By Audrey Rowe on August 18, 2007

At ages 75 and 68 (actually quite young, I think!) I for one didn't even notice the length of the play, as a groundling. I think that is the best way, at The Globe, if one can do it.Wow - a super production, eveyone was so good, the direction was excellent, and Othello was a very powerful portrayal of the character. Such passion, such anger, every emotion shown so well.I did cry at the end, when he realises the truth. Rather different from that gay young man in 'In Sickness and In Health', which I'm aftraid was the only previous show I could remember , and which I enjoyed very much on another level!
I saw this on August 7th at 2.00pm, but have only just got round to going on line.

By Judith Penn on August 16, 2007

It was well worth getting up at 4.45am to travel to London to see Othello at the Globe! I saw it on July 11 and found the performance incredibly moving. It was brilliant! So good that I went again on July 19. Again it was brilliant. My thanks to all the actors but especially Eamonn Walker.

By angela quinn on August 15, 2007

I saw Othello today and was completely moved and engrossed by it. I've always found it a difficult play on the page and especially terrible to bear, as the tragedy seems at every turn avoidable. How it happened became clear, thanks to wonderful, physical, engaged performances; why is another question.

By Carol Lewis on August 8, 2007

I saw the play as a groundling soon after it opened in May and had difficulty in hearing some of the words spoken by Eamonn Walker, but I watched it for a second time, again as a groundling, on July 31st and it was such a powerful performance - it was totally absorbing and this time I could hear every word. I do recommend for those who are able, to see each play twice with a couple of months in between and notice the differences. Thank you to all the cast - an amazing production.

By Samantha Cuthbert on August 7, 2007

When I heard Eamonn Walker was playing the role of Othello at the Globe I just had to book my seat. I recall him getting ready for the part when he played Othello in the BBC drama years ago & all his hours of training at Portobello Green. I'm sure that the performance will be even greater within the walls of the Globe.

By ANNIE SENOUS on July 28, 2007

I've been to the Globe several times during my short stays as a tourist in London and I've always enjoyed the shows.
I made up my mind to come again for Othello, just because I've been a fan of Eamonn Walker since I saw him in the TV series OZ. I was looking forward to seeing him onstage and I think this was really fabulous. I was at the Globe on July 19th at 2pm.
The performance was excellent as the actors and the audience communicate and interact. I enjoy the creative productions at the Globe: here the thrilling interpretation of Eamonn Walker as Othello; the total ambiguity of Iago; the few comic episodes which come as a contrast to the intensity of the tragic scenes; the choice of making Roderigo a truly comic character; the unexpected jig at the end which enables the audience to recover after the moving final scenes, and to express their delight.
I wish the productions were available on DVD: Othello of course, and also A Midsummer Night's Dream (a couple of years ago).
I would like to thank Eamonn Walker for allowing me to meet him after the show for a few minutes, for being so welcoming and smiling, and for giving me an autograph.
Congratulations from Paris, France!


By Simon Green on July 21, 2007

I've been to a number of very good productions in the Globe, but I have to say this topped everything before it. I saw it today and it was tremendous. I thought it was supposed to be a longish play but it passed so quickly. A fine performance from the whole cast but the leading characters were all outstanding. In the second half, apart from what was being said on stage, all you could hear was a gentle, nervous rustling as the whole audience was gripped by the drama unfolding. I've got two more visits to the Globe this year and I hope they're half as good. Thank you very much.

By Martha Ginty on July 20, 2007

tavelled from the west of Ireland yesterday to see the show. Well worth the journey. Didn't really like the dancing at the end,I think it killed the wonder of the last few moments.Also found it difficult to hear Othello's voice at times a little muffled Especially when planes flew over head. I was up at the top. I'm coming back to see THe Merchant this time in a better seat. Well done , especially the ladies in the cast

By Trinity on July 18, 2007

Saw this yesterday, and absolutely loved every minute! I thought you were fantastic as Othello: I particularly liked the way you did the epileptic fit, that looked very real; and the kind of pre-epileptic aura state Othello seems to enter when he realises he's been thoroughly duped by Iago and that he's killed his beloved, innocent wife. (I've only seen a few versions of Othello, and always found the epilepsy thing a bit unrealistic: if Othello has a fit when he finally believes his wife was unfaithful, why doesn't he when he realises she wasn't and that he's killed her? You completely solved that - brilliantly.)

The part where Othello's heard everything Aemilia's told him and has truly realised that Desdemona was innocent moved me to tears. Awesome.

The final thing I really liked was the last bit of dialogue between Othello and Iago, when Iago gloats that he maybe injured but he's not dead, and Othello says he'd wish him life because to him, death is infinitely preferable: it gave a context to Othello's line about loving "not wisely but too well". I'd always thought that was in reference to loving Desdemona, his unthinking passion for her. But watching you play that scene, it struck me that Othello's talking about his feelings for Iago: of being so convinced that Iago was his trusted friend and never realising the truth.

I wish so much that I could see it again! I could watch this production 10 times before getting tired of it! To me, the last tragedy of Othello is that this production isn't available on DVD for fans to take home and love forever! (I made do with the mini-book in tasteful black leather, which I read on the train home amd relived the performance. I'm impressd: only about 50 lines seem to have been omitted.)

By Jillian Ellis on July 12, 2007

What a marvellous evening! I had no idea what to expect. I have studied Othello at school, seen amateur and professional productions, but was left astounded by this production. Eamonn and Tim were incredible and Zoe, well she WAS Desdemona! Thank you so much. My children enjoyed it too. I can't wait to return and see something else.

By Julie Daniel on June 26, 2007

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone - Eamonn, Tim, Zoe and cast for giving me such a memorable experience on Friday evening. I have waited so long for my first visit to the Globe and held my breath in anticipation of the performance - Othello - Eamonn - The Globe! Truly, truly wonderful performances from the whole cast (including the Globe). You totally exceed my already high expectations I am now an official Globe, Shakespeare (and Eamonn addict). Thank you again for such a superb interpretion - Oscar's and BAFTA's for everyone please!

By Elizabeth Maybank on June 25, 2007

I went to see Othello on Sunday and it was fantastic, even if it was raining! I thought Eamonn Walker's performance was very powerful and Desdemona's murder moved me to tears. I always love the jig at the end too, you really leave the theatre on a high! I've been a groundling since 2000 and performances like this confirm my belief in the Globe and why I should continue to support it.

By Kim on June 25, 2007

Hi
I thought you were absolutely brilliant, you brought so much meaning and passion to your words. The final part of the play was especially fantastic, a very poignant scene. How do you think Othello's jealousy is deeply imbued with the surrounding politics of Shakespeare's day? Thank you for delivering such a fascinating performance of Othello.

By Marian M on June 22, 2007

Hi, I'm a huge fan of Eamonn Walker and it's a pity that I live so far away because I wanted to see him on this journey. He's such a talented actor and I wish him the best. Break a leg "Othello"!

~Puerto Rico~

By danny.marsh on June 18, 2007

Fantastic take on Othello. It was directed in a way that managed to extract plenty of humour. Previous versions haven't been able to do comedy and tragedy as well as this one did. Superb performances all round.

Zoe's singing of the 'Willow song' will stay with me for a very long time.

By Hannah Rachaels on June 11, 2007

I saw the show and found it really gripping. The bit where Desdemona is killed is truely horrible. It looks so real. People were gasping around me when it was happening. How does it make you feel being in a play where most of the characters say racist things about your character all the way through? I am studying Othello for my A level English and we talk about that in class alot. Break a leg for the rest of the run. I thought you were brilliant.

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