Iago: The Devil Incarnate

Iago. The name alone can conjure up many different images to various people.

So much has been written over the centuries as to what motivated him to do all he did.

The one thing that most scholars do agree on is that Othello is one of Shakespeare’s

oddest works. He departs from his usual formula of various subplots and numerous

villains. It is also one of the only plays he wrote where a “supporting role” dominates so

much of the stage. In this century, it wasn’t until the National Theatre’s production of

the play with Sir Laurence Olivier in the title role that people were reminded of who’s

play it really was supposed to be. James Earl Jones was very well received but

Christopher Plummer dominated the stage. Sir Anthony Hopkins was raved but Bob

Hoskins walked away with the show. Most recently Laurence Fishburne received good

notices but Kenneth Branagh’s Iago was hailed as a triumph in Oliver Parker’s film.

I had to as...