Actors on Shakespeare: Othello

Actors on Shakespeare

by James Earl Jones

In 1964, at the age of thirty-three, James Earl Jones won an Obie award for his portrayal of Othello in Joseph Papp's production in Central Park, New York. Over the next twenty-five years he went on to play the Moor a further six times, with his 1982 performance being described as 'definitive, masterly, magnificent'. He brings his vast wealth of experience to this book and articulates the themes and issues in the play, looking at the personal and universal significance of the drama.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

James Earl Jones was an American actor known for his film roles and for his work in theatre. Jones has been described as "one of America's most distinguished and versatile" actors for his performances on stage and screen. He has also been called "one of the greatest actors in American history". He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985. He was honoured with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009, and the Honorary Academy Award in 2011.

Reviews

[Russio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly in depth for a book written by an actor - this serves as literary criticism at the same time - I wish I had read it while studying Shakespeare for my Lit masters. JEJ has clearly spent a lifetime considering this play and the part of Othello, and has very clear views on how it should be played, which he puts across very clearly.