Denzel Washington Reveals Why Performing Shakespeare Is the ‘Ultimate Challenge’ for Him

Denzel Washington’s engagement with Shakespearean theater has long been a cornerstone of his illustrious career. Known for his powerhouse performances on both screen and stage, Washington’s deep appreciation for the Bard’s work shines through in his various roles across the decades. As of 2025, Washington continues to bring Shakespeare’s characters to life, embracing the complexity and challenge of performing in his plays. In this article, we explore Washington’s statements and experiences to understand what he enjoys most about taking on these iconic roles.

Career Context and Shakespearean Roles

Washington’s relationship with Shakespeare began early in his career, beginning with Othello during his time at Fordham University. His love for the Bard’s work continued with notable stage roles, including Coriolanus in Central Park in 1979, Richard III in 1990, and Julius Caesar on Broadway in 2005. Washington’s versatility as a Shakespearean actor also extended to film, where he played Don Pedro in Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. More recently, he starred in Joel Coen’s 2021 film The Tragedy of Macbeth, and in 2025, he returned to the stage to play Othello on Broadway alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, with performances running through June 8, 2025 (Othello Broadway). These roles underline Washington’s dedication to theater and his self-imposed commitment to return to the stage every few years, as noted in a 2024 article by the New York Theatre Guide.

Statements on Enjoyment

Washington’s enjoyment of performing in Shakespeare plays centers on the challenge and depth they offer. In a 2022 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he compared Shakespeare’s work to cultural touchstones like “the ‘What’s Going On,’ the White Album, the ‘Tapestry,'” and described it as “the ultimate challenge and the ultimate standard.” For Washington, the joy lies not just in performing the work but in the personal challenge of meeting the high artistic bar set by Shakespeare. He admitted that he sometimes “fell short,” but emphasized his drive to keep returning to these roles, saying, “I look to go back again. You know, Lear’s around the corner.” This suggests that his enjoyment is rooted in the continuous process of striving to meet Shakespeare’s lofty standards.

In a separate 2022 interview with ABC7 Los Angeles about his role in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Washington elaborated further on why he finds Shakespeare so appealing. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” he said, emphasizing the necessity of “unlocking” Shakespeare’s work. “You have to meet Shakespeare where he is. You can’t bring Shakespeare down to your level—you have to come up to this level,” Washington added. This statement reinforces his belief that the challenge of interpreting such complex material is precisely what makes it so rewarding. For Washington, the work is never easy—“your ordinary chops ain’t enough to get you over!”—but it’s this very challenge that pushes him to elevate his craft.

Recent Context and 2025 Performances

As of 2025, Washington’s current engagement with Othello on Broadway has become a major cultural event, with ticket prices reaching as high as $921 and the production grossing $2.8 million in a week of previews (The New York Times). The production has drawn attention not just for its financial success but for Washington’s magnetic presence in the lead role. While reviews from The Hollywood Reporter and The Guardian focus on his powerful performance, they do not offer new statements on what he enjoys most about performing Shakespeare. However, his 2024 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, where he recited lines from Othello 47 years after first playing the role, provides a glimpse into his lasting passion for these performances, though specific details of enjoyment were not expanded upon (Independent TV).

Comparative Analysis with Other Statements

Although Washington has not given a single, definitive answer about what he enjoys most in recent 2025 interviews, his earlier comments consistently highlight the challenge and depth of Shakespeare’s work. In a 2022 interview with Collider, he discussed the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s writing, stating that the depth and longevity of the material were key to its lasting appeal. This ties directly into his previous thoughts about the work being a “gift that keeps on giving.” For Washington, Shakespeare’s material is ever-relevant, and part of the joy he derives from performing in these plays comes from the opportunity to reinterpret and explore them anew with each performance. He has also noted in quotes shared on BrainyQuote that, “Any good piece of material like Shakespeare ought to be open to reinterpretation,” further emphasizing the evolving nature of these plays and the excitement he feels in continually discovering new layers.

Conclusion

Denzel Washington’s ongoing engagement with Shakespearean theater highlights his deep reverence for the complexity of the Bard’s works. Whether performing as Othello, Macbeth, or Richard III, Washington finds profound enjoyment in the challenge these roles present. His comments over the years reveal a man who is driven not just by the accolades or the performance itself but by the personal growth and artistic fulfillment that come from grappling with Shakespeare’s timeless material. For Washington, performing in Shakespeare’s plays is more than a job—it is a gift that continues to inspire, challenge, and elevate his craft. As he continues to return to these iconic roles, his passion for Shakespeare remains as strong as ever, making him one of the most respected interpreters of the Bard’s work on stage and screen.