大象传媒

ACT I

Otello is returning to Cyprus in the midst of a violent storm, having conquered the Turks in a battle at sea. Iago promises Roderigo that Desdemona will one day be his and inflames him against Cassio. He gets Cassio drunk and instigates a fight between Cassio and Roderigo. An uproar ensues until Otello steps in. He demotes Cassio and orders peace. He and Desdemona are left alone; together they sing of their happiness in love.

ACT II

Iago encourages the despondent Cassio to ask Desdemona to intercede on his behalf with Otello. The moment Cassio leaves, Iago professes his faith in evil which he can turn to his own benefit, his conviction that people are subject to an evil fate, and his disbelief in life after death. When Cassio goes to see Desdemona, Iago inflames Otello鈥檚 jealousy as he watches the two talking from afar. When Desdemona then in fact begs her husband to forgive Cassio, Otello reacts correspondingly furiously. Iago secretly steals Desdemona鈥檚 handkerchief from his wife Emilia. He convinces Otello that he has heard Cassio talking in his sleep about Desdemona and that he had seen the handkerchief in Cassio鈥檚 hands. Otello swears revenge.

ACT III

Iago further fuels the intrigue. He has Otello listen to a conversation between himself and Cassio, of which Otello can hear only a few seemingly incriminating snippets. As they converse, Cassio is holding Desdemona鈥檚 handkerchief that Iago has managed to pass off to him. Lodovico, a Venetian envoy, appears to inform Otello he has been recalled to Venice. When Otello, feeling deeply humiliated and scarcely able to control himself, hurls Desdemona brutally to the floor a short while later, the company leave the room, horrified. Iago delights as Otello sinks, fainting, to the floor.

ACT IV

In her chamber, Desdemona prepares for bed but is plagued by ominous forebodings. Otello approaches his sleeping wife, awakens her and accuses her of infidelity. She protests her innocence to no avail; Otello strangles her. Alarmed by the noise, Emilia rushes in. She explains the situation with the handkerchief, whereupon Iago takes flight. Stabbing himself, Otello says farewell to his beloved dead wife with a kiss.