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Denzel Washington Declares Himself a Theater Actor in New Broadway Production of Othello
In a recent interview, Denzel Washington emphasized his identity as a theater actor before a film star, highlighting his passion for Shakespeare’s Othello, which is currently running on Broadway alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
Denzel Washington, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor, recently sat down with CBS News’ Sunday Morning to discuss his latest role in the Broadway production of Shakespeare’s Othello. The interview aired on March 23, 2023, and in it, Washington spoke passionately about his preference for theater, underscoring that he sees himself as a “Mt. Vernon actor” from his hometown in New York rather than a conventional Hollywood star. This perspective came as he prepares to take on the title role in a production that’s poised to captivate audiences for a limited engagement.
Othello: A Historic Broadway Revival
The current production of Othello marks the first Broadway revival of the play in over 40 years, with Washington starring as Othello and Gyllenhaal portraying the villainous Iago. The opening night took place on March 23, 2023, drawing attention from theater lovers and critics alike.
- First Broadway revival since 1982
- Washington plays Othello; Gyllenhaal plays Iago
- Production runs for a limited engagement of 15 weeks
- Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon at the helm
Washington’s Reflections on Acting
During the interview, Washington expressed his deep respect for the craft of acting, saying, “I’m a stage actor who does film; it’s not the other way around.” He described the fundamental differences between film and theater acting, emphasizing:
- Theater is an “actor’s medium” requiring live performance without retakes.
- Film, in contrast, is a “filmmaker’s medium” involving editing and musical composition after shooting.
Washington also shared his aspiration to honor the legacy of James Earl Jones, who he cites as a major influence and one of his heroes. “James Earl Jones was my northern star when I was in college. He was who I wanted to be,” he remarked, acknowledging the challenge of filling his predecessor’s shoes.
The Impact of Othello on Washington’s Career
Washington reflects on his growth since first tackling the role at 22, recognizing the complexity of Othello’s character. He stated, “I know a lot less now,” hinting at the deeper understanding he has gained over the years.
He described this new production as “the most excited I’ve been this century,” illustrating the passion he feels for this monumental role and production.
Production Details and Engagement
The Othello production is being presented at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre and will run until June 8, 2023. The production is not only a theatrical achievement but also a collaborative effort involving producers like Kandi Burruss and her husband, Todd Tucker.
“Seriously, I haven’t been this excited about anything I’ve done as I am about this,” Washington concluded, reinforcing his enthusiasm for this significant chapter in his career.
Do not miss the opportunity to see Denzel Washington in this iconic role — get your tickets to Othello today!
Keywords: Denzel Washington, Othello, Broadway, theater, CBS News, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Earl Jones, Kenny Leon, Shakespeare
Hashtags: #DenzelWashington #Othello #Broadway #Theater #Shakespeare #Acting #JakeGyllenhaal
