Obama is an Othello for our times

Sitting watching Chiwetel Ejiofor recently in the Donmar’s production of Othello, I was struck by the face of the man sitting next to me during Othello’s legendary ‘Her father loved me, oft invited me’ speech of the first act. He was clearly mesmerised by Ejiofor’s portrayal of the Moor. But more interesting was his look of slight bewilderment; unwittingly mirroring the faces of the Venetians onstage.

The Othello of the first act is a figure that captivates, intrigues and inspires white Venetian society and the soldiers serving under him. We are made immediately aware of Brabantio’s initial fascination with the Moor, ease with inviting him into his home and desire to hear his stories, which quickly descends into fear and accusations of witchcraft when he learns that his daughter Desdemona has fallen in love and married him. In short, he is allowed to be a brilliant warrior and orator — but a son-in-law is a little too close for comfort.