CAST CASSIO

Sam Claflin *heart eyes*

My choice for Cassio is Sam Claflin. First of all hes gorgeous and his smile seems so inviting and warm which is perfect for a friendly Cassio. Claflin grew up in Norwich, Norfolk and is best known as his portrayal of Finnick from The Hunger Games film series. Claflin usually plays the attractive heart-breaker which is similar to the role of Cassio; roles such as Alex in Love, Rosie, Finnick in the Hunger Games and Alistair in The Riot Club support this. Sam Claflin is 29 however is younger than Iwan (my Iago) plus with some makeup Iago can be made to look older and Sam looks younger than his age in my opinion anyway. From my research, Claflin hasn't been in any professional stage productions however has done plenty of film and TV so he is experienced enough to pull of the character. Claflin is also British, fitting with the rest of my cast and definitely has qualities that would make Othello jealous of him and enforce his belief that Desdemona would cheat with him. Also, I think that Calflin could pull of the Florentine look as well as looking chivalrous.

OTHELLO AND IAGO

According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?
Othello has been fighting since the age of 7

According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?
Othello is very aware of how he appears in front of the Venetians,  

What increases Othello's status in Venice?
Marrying Desdemona, the only child of a well to do senator, thus Othello stands to inherit a good position

Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
Iago is 'disgruntled' with Othello because Cassio has been effectively favored over him due to him being younger and posher. Iago has seen and experienced the same war horrors as Othello so finds it unfair that someone with less experience gets the job over him.

What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
Othello and Iago are both soldiers that started from the bottom. However Othello, through charisma, skills and strength as a soldier, has overtaken Iago, hence Othello being the General. 

Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?
Iago's ways to bring people down are through: 

subterfuge (deceit)
insinuation (unpleasant hint/ suggestion of something bad)
getting people on his side

CAST DESDEMONA

Carrie Hope Fletcher



My choice for Desdemona is Carrie Fletcher, best known for playing Eponine in the West End's Les Miserables. Carrie is 23, therefore is around Desdemona's age (young) and has a lot of performing experience. I feel that Carrie has a Desdemona look about her - she has a sweet smile and looks empowered. Due to her experience playing Eponine (Les Mis), Beth (War of the Worlds) and Truly Scrumptious (Chitty, to name a few), she is used to playing the lead females in theatre. Carrie playing Eponine had to *spoiler alert* die every show, so Carrie is used to death scenes; she also able to sing well, evident by her major roles in musical theatre, so Desdemona's singing scene with Emilia will be a piece of cake. Carrie is British - in keeping with Shakespeare's original times - and has presented as well as won theatre awards so I think she would make an excellent Desdemona.