3.5 out of 5 stars

Classical Theatre of Harlem is mounting an energized take on Shakespeare’s “Othello.” The play’s themes of violence, lust and betrayal are all still there, but modern touches like Iago sinisterly sucking on a vape or the ensemble riffing on a popular World Cup chant (“Oooh-Oh-Oh-Othelloooo”) are clever. That said, Carl Cofield’s direction is uneven, with highly embellished sequences standing out against tedious stretches. The cavernous set design sometimes also detracts from the action. But excellent supporting turns from Isabel Arraiza (Desdemona), Karen Lugo (Emilia) and Hiram Delgado (Roderigo) smooth out the bumps. — Justin McCallum

Presented by the Classical Theatre of Harlem at Marcus Garvey Park’s Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, through July 26, 2026; cthnyc.org. (Review date: July 16, 2026)