Otello
Dramma lirico in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
Libretto by Arrigo Boito after the tragedy “Othello” by William Shakespeare
In Italian with German and English surtitles. Duration 3 H. 05 Min. incl. intermission after 2nd act after approx. 1 H. 15 Min. Introduction 45 min before the performance.
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Otello
Synopsis
Otello
I
Otello, the Moorish commander of the Venetian fleet, returns to Cyprus during a thunderstorm after his victory over the Turks. Iago, his ensign, is out for revenge because he has been passed over for promotion to captain in favour of Cassio. He stirs up Rodrigo against Cassio, getting him so drunk that a quarrel breaks out between the two men. In the tumult that ensues, Otello settles the dispute. He demotes Cassio and restores order again. Otello is left alone with his wife Desdemona.
II
Iago advises the downcast Cassio to ask Desdemona to intercede with Otello on his behalf. Whilst Cassio is talking to Desdemona, Iago fans Otello’s jealousy. When Desdemona begs her husband to forgive Cassio, Otello falls into a rage. Iago secretly steals a handkerchief of Desdemona’s from his wife Emilia. He then tells Otello that he has heard Cassio calling out Desdemona’s name during his sleep, and seen him with her handkerchief. Otello swears bloody revenge.
III
Iago arranges for Otello to overhear a conversation between Cassio and himself, tough Otello is only able to catch some apparently incriminating fragments. During the conversation, Cassio can be seen holding Desdemona’s handker-chief, which Iago has planted. Lodovico, a Venetian ambassador, arrives to inform Otello that he has been recalled to Venice. Humiliated, Otello can barely control himself any longer, and when Desdemona welcomes Lodovico he forces her to the floor. Otello sinks to the floor unconscious, leaving Iago in triumph.
IV
Desdemona waits for her husband. Otello comes to kill her. In vain she tries to convince him of her innocence. He murders her. Emilia enters and finds the body. Otello claims it was a just killing. Emila calls for help and the truth is revealed. Otello takes his own life.