Denzel Washington & Jake Gyllenhaal on Their Roles in Othello

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal bring their talents to Broadway in a powerful revival of Shakespeare's Othello. Denzel plays Othello, a respected general, while Jake takes on the role of Iago, the manipulative ensign who causes Othello's tragic fate.

Denzel, a preacher’s kid, brings a unique perspective to the role of Othello, drawing on his faith to understand the character’s inner turmoil. “I’m looking at it through the lens of faith,” Denzel explains, acknowledging how his own spiritual journey influences his approach. He sees Othello’s internal struggle with morality, love, and honesty as themes that resonate deeply with him. "It’s about the best and the worst of us," he reflects, linking the character's personal battles to universal human experiences.

For Jake, making his professional Shakespeare debut has been a thrilling and rare experience. “It's not just Othello, it's Denzel, it’s Kenny [Leon, the director], it’s our whole cast,” he says. “The opportunity to work with talent like that... it's beyond rare." He acknowledges that performing Shakespeare live is a chance to experience something truly special, calling it a “once in a number of lifetimes” experience.

Both actors believe the themes of Othello speak directly to today's generation. Denzel highlights the relevance of the play's exploration of war, betrayal, and racism, saying, “The themes speak to this generation as much as any.” Jake echoes this sentiment, calling the play a “conversation starter” and emphasizing the timeless nature of Shakespeare’s work. He recalls advice from his father: “Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” Both actors hope the audience leaves the theater with a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Together, Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal bring Othello to life in a way that challenges and captivates audiences, making this production a must-see for theatergoers. For more information on Othello, visit www.OthelloBway.com