Denzel Washington Returns to Broadway in Othello Amid Themes of Faith and Trust

NEW YORK, NY — Actor Denzel Washington is returning to Broadway to star as Othello in the Shakespearean tragedy, with previews beginning soon, running through June 8. This performance marks his first major Broadway role in 20 years, following his acclaimed portrayal of Brutus in ‘Julius Caesar‘. Washington, recently baptized and licensed as a minister, finds himself intertwined in conversations about faith and trust, both in his personal life and the character he portrays.

In a recent interview, Washington explored the themes present in Shakespeare’s work, particularly the tension between love and jealousy. Co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays Iago, highlighted the bond between the two characters, explaining, “Iago keeps leading Othello back to the handkerchief… but the reason he manipulates Othello is that they have a bond. They’ve fought together, trusted each other with their lives.”

Washington and Gyllenhaal met at a Midtown office in preparation for the performances. As rain pattered outside, the actors exchanged insights about their characters and the emotional depth they hope to convey. Washington expressed that Othello’s tragedy stems from trust, saying, “He trusts this man more than he trusts anyone in the world. He trusts him with his life.”

The conversation also touched on the complexities of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. Molly Osborne, a 30-year-old actress playing Desdemona, described the early stages of their passionate love: “It’s very pure. She sees his pain as part of what makes him beautiful.” Osborne noted the need for the characters to discover their bond amidst societal expectations.

Leon’s adaptation sets the play in 2028, transforming Othello and his troops into a group of U.S. Marines on a mission that unexpectedly leads them to confront their own vulnerabilities. “You train these guys for combat, then they’re waiting around… where are they going to put the target?” Gyllenhaal posed. This modern backdrop seeks to resonate with current dynamics while exploring timeless human struggles.

Gyllenhaal, who took six months to prepare for his role, shared his initial concerns about stepping into Shakespeare’s language. “I didn’t know: can I do it? It scared me,” he admitted. His rigorous training regime emphasized understanding the text in depth, allowing him to connect authentically with Washington’s character on stage.

Meanwhile, Washington’s journey back to this iconic role began serendipitously on the set of ‘Gladiator.’ “Someone brought up Othello, and I’m like, oh man, I wish, but I’m too old now… One of the other senators says to me, no, no, no, go back and read the play,” he recalled. This conversation sparked his desire to revisit the character of Othello.

In exploring the race and age dynamic of Othello’s character, Washington pointed out how societal perceptions often focus on race, overshadowing other factors that contribute to the narrative. “We don’t think about the age thing so much… but it plays a significant role in how Othello perceives his relationship with Desdemona,” he noted.

Leon remains focused on the emotional truth of the story rather than the external political implications, stating, “This is a play about the struggles of all time—take away everything except what makes us naked, pure human beings, that’s how people can find themselves in this story.” This perspective sets the stage for a broader exploration of love, trust, and the human experience.

The collaboration between Washington, Gyllenhaal, and Osborne promises a nuanced interpretation of these classic characters, inviting audiences to reconsider the profound themes of faith, love, and betrayal. As opening night approaches, Gyllenhaal reflected on the essence of great acting: “The answer is just—be great. That’s it, be great.” Washington’s excitement for the performance grows as the two prepare to bring Othello to life once again.