Otello

When the curtain rises for our new production, we find ourselves in an exhibition space in which a group of people are exploring the artwork Otello. They meet the characters and the drama playing out between them. Soon, they too are pulled into the narrative, becoming part of it themselves.

At the same time, in this exploratory they can alternate between reality and fiction, the collective and the individual experience.

Act I

During a violent storm, Cyprus awaits the return of the governor and general of the Venetian fleet, Otello. After the victory over the Turkish navy, he fights for survival against the raging elements. Otello’s confidant, the disabled Iago, who secretly hates the governor for promoting the young officer Cassio over him, decides to take revenge on the commander. He promises the exiled Venetian nobleman Roderigo, who is in love with Otello’s wife, Desdemona, to help win her. During the celebrations of the governor’s safe return, Iago launches his plan to ruin Otello. Knowing that Cassio easily loses control when drunk, Iago proposes a toast. Cassio declines to drink, but abandons his scruples when Iago salutes Desdemona, who is a favorite of the people. Iago then goads Roderigo into provoking a fight with agitated Cassio. Montano, the former governor, tries to separate the two, and Cassio attacks and wounds him. Otello appears to restore order, furious about his soldiers’ behavior. When he realizes that Desdemona has also been disturbed by the commotion, he takes away Cassio’s recent promotion and dismisses everyone. Once the lovers are alone, they remember the dawn of their feelings for each other. Otello, traumatized by his past and war, is uncertain of whether their love will survive. Desdemona tries to allay his fears and doubts.

Iago advises the devastated Cassio to present his case to Desdemona, arguing that her influence on Otello will secure his rehabilitation. Alone, Iago reveals his bleak, nihilistic view of humankind. Upon Otello’s entrance, he makes dismissive remarks about Desdemona’s fidelity to arouse his jealousy. Desdemona shows up in an almost miraculous appearance and appeals to Otello on Cassio’s behalf. He reacts with irritation and evasively complains of a headache. Desdemona offers him a handkerchief, Otello’s engagement gift, which he tosses to the ground. Emilia, Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maidservant, retrieves it, and Iago seizes the handkerchief from her. Left alone with Otello, Iago fans the flames of the governor’s suspicions by inventing a story of how Cassio had spoken of Desdemona in his sleep, and how he saw her handkerchief in Cassio’s hand. Seething with jealousy, Otello is now convinced that his wife is unfaithful. The two men join in an oath to punish Cassio and Desdemona.

A herald announces the arrival of an official delegation from Venice. Iago’s plot continues to unfold as he tells Otello that he will have further proof of his wife and Cassio’s betrayal. When Desdemona approaches Otello and once again pleads for Cassio, Otello again feigns a headache and insists on seeing the missing handkerchief. As she cannot produce it, he insults her as a whore and becomes violent. She flees in horror. Alone, Otello gives in to his desperation and feelings of shame and inferiority. Iago returns with Cassio, and Otello hides to eavesdrop on their conversation, which Iago cleverly leads in such a way that Otello is convinced they are discussing Cassio’s affair with Desdemona. Cassio mentions an unknown admirer’s gift and produces the telltale handkerchief, which earlier Iago had pushed into his hand. Otello is shattered and vows that he will kill his wife. Iago promises to have Roderigo deal with Cassio.

Lodovico, the Venetian ambassador arrives to recall Otello home and to appoint Cassio as the new governor of Cyprus. At this news, Otello loses control and explodes in a rage, insulting and humiliating Desdemona in front of the assembled crowd. He orders everyone away and finally collapses in a seizure. Iago triumphs.

Emilia helps the distraught Desdemona prepare for bed. She recalls the old Willow Song which her nurse Barbara had used to sing to comfort herself over an unhappy love. After saying goodbye to Emilia, Desdemona finishes her evening prayers and falls asleep. Otello enters and wakes her to tell her she is about to die. Paralyzed, Desdemona again protests her innocence. Otello coldly murders her. Emilia runs in with news that Cassio has killed Roderigo. Iago’s plot is finally revealed and Otello realizes what he has done. Reflecting on his doomed existence he takes his own life, dying with a final kiss for his wife.