James Earl Jones Performs Shakespeare at the White House Poetry Jam

Synopsis

James Earl Jones recites Othello’s testimony before the senators (I iii) at an evening of poetry, music and spoken word hosted by President Obama in the East Room of The White House on 12 May 2009. There are cutaway shots to Barack Obama and his family in the audience. The delivery highlights the problems of speaking Shakespeare’s lines in a formal setting and out of context. (6 minutes)

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Multimedia; Video

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Recording date

13 May 2009

Duration

6 mins

Credits

Cast

James Earl Jones

Othello

Additional Details

Production type

Other

Plays

Othello

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Reviews

'James Earl Jones, in that voice that could make a phone-book reading sound like Shakespeare, performed from the tragedy "Othello," towering over the lectern, raising his arms, casting his eyes on the audience as he evoked Othello the Moor of Venice and his torment. Obama sat at a center table next to his mother-in-law, Marian Robinson. Director Spike Lee watched from a table up front. The room was still.' DeNeen L. Brown, The Washington Post (13/5/2009).

Online Availability

Online URL

http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/James-Earl-Jones-Othello-at-the-White-House

Online format

Streamed/Download

Distributor

Name

White House, The