Othello: Shakespeare Appreciated: (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)

I come from a computer science background. I have only recently begun to take an interest in literature. The historical context, definitions, and introductions are amazing. The commentary during dialog is extremely helpful in comprehension. Often times we glaze over certain dialog and don't really appreciate what was said. The commentary seems to anticipate these moments and brings us back into an analytical focus. After finishing the audio book I was very confident in my knowledge f the piece and could hold my own in a discussion with any literature student!

We all know Shakespeare is arguably the greatest writer in the English language, but not many of us can appreciate his work due to its out-date/nearly-another-language English, but SmartPass comes to our aid with this and other fine translations of the Bard's works. You not only lively running commentary that explains what just happened, the jokes, and the nuances; you also get a wonderful production in the original language by and all-star full-cast, historical background and context, all the jokes explained, and much more. If you're looking to truly appreciate and enjoy Shakespeare, this series is for you!

Wonderful idea to give listeners the ability to choose between versions with or without commentaries.

When I started listening to the version with commentaries, I was concerned that the commentaries might over explain the scenes and prevent me from appreciating the play from my own perspective. However, I listened on and was delighted to find that my worries were unfounded. The commentaries were copious and insightful enough to ensure effortless understanding of the context and language of the dialogue, but they did not preempt independent appreciation of the play overall.

In sum, I enjoyed this audiobook and gladly recommend it.

I found this oral theatrical reading of the play, along with interspersed analysis ala Cliffnotes style, to be a fantastic way to consume Shakespeare. No more tedious cross referencing footnotes. No more struggling with the language. Just an entertaining reading of a fantastic play with a solid dose of background and history to expand one's appreciation of a genius' work.

Good pace and good actors, though by the end, Othello sounded like he was extremely constipated instead of suffering from a broken heart.

I thought having the commentary and explanations was a great idea, but I soon realized why it's optional: it is irritating. Too many close-together interruptions, it all sounded like she was telling the most inCREDible, asTOUNding, aMAZing (insert photo of astonished, eyes-popping-out narrator here) story to a four-year-old in order to keep his attention. Not nearly as effective as a more subdued, serious tone would have been. We bought the book, so we're already listening.