The Army as Central to Othello

The army is absolutely central to this play.

So says Director Nicholas Hytner.  At first, I resisted that notion in my mind, as in my readings of Othello and watching of productions and adaptations, the army seemed more like platform or backdrop, certainly not central.  But this bit from the National Theater convinces me otherwise.  For one, fighting and killing define the character of Othello, Iago and company.  For another, a tacit code exists, which emphasizes that everyone of them looks out for the other.  So when the proud Moor passes over Iago, he causes a breach in that code, and the mayhem, violence and destruction that ensue are simply part and parcel of  how central the army is to the play.   

Hytner turned to Major-General Jonathan Shaw for advice and guidance, who relates an intriguing  behind the scenes story.  The rest of the soldiers followed suit on how to wear their uniforms and gear.  But not actor Rory Kinnear, in regards to his character Iago, and Shaw kept correcting him on how he ought to wear his beret and trousers.  In time, Shaw stopped, as he understand how Kinnear was playing that evil genius and underhanded rebel of a character.

"Pity you couldn't dress Iago properly."

"Yes, that's the point."