At first glance, Iago Speaks appears to follow the events immediately after the curtain comes down on Shakespeare's Othello; but this dynamic two-hander quickly turns, introducing us to lago and his jailor - a bit player - as he tries to find the true purpose of his repetitive task of keeping watch over lago.
Will lago break free? Will the Jailor finally be the protagonist of his own story? What is the point of stories? Why do we keep telling the same old stories? And why theatre anyway? Iago Speaks tackles these questions - and more all while you sit on the edge of your seats. Iago Speaks will make you howl with laughter even as it's asking life's - and theatre's - biggest questions.
Keywords: Shakespeare, Iago, Othello, comedy, tragedy, theatre stories, clown, Shakespeare's clowns, language, otherness, story
Premiered at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK, August 6 - 21, 2022
Also performed at Shakespeare in the Ruins (2024) and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2025)
Genre: Comedy
Acts: 1
Run time: 85 minutes
Suitable for students 14+
Content notes: Contains some mild sexual content.
Cast size: 2 actors
Male roles: 2
Casting notes: Iago should represent (more or less) the Iago of Shakespeare's Othello. There is a lot of casting freedom to the Jailor who represents every"man" to a certain extent. The essential element in the casting of the Jailor is that he is a loveable and vulnerable clown.
"★★★★★ Iago Speaks is, simply, a flawless must-see gem."
-- Theatre Weekly
"★★★★★ Whether you’re a Shakespeare devotee or a Fringe wanderer, Iago Speaks is a must-see. It’s funny, philosophical, and fiercely original—a celebration of the overlooked, the absurd, and the power of words and their danger."
-- Pat Harrigton, Counter Culture UK
" Comedy walks a rapier's edge with human pathos in Daniel Mcdonald's cleverly conceived, often brilliant play lago Speaks."
-- Winnipeg Free Press
"Iago Speaks captures comedy like no other and still manages to present fascinating commentary on language, purpose and Shakespeare."
-- Saskatoon Star Pheonix