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Overview
Synopsis
Shakespeare’s Othello is one of his most intimate and devastating tragedies of all. It is a story about society, status and the nature of the outsider – but it is also a story about the love and trust between friends, and between men and women.
Defying her father and society to follow her heart, Desdemona secretly marries Othello – a powerful general, and a Moor. Despite her father’s objections in court, Desdemona remains committed to Othello and follows him from Venice to Cyprus, where he is commissioned to serve. Iago, a junior officer and Othello’s most trusted adviser, is tormented by his lack of promotion. Despite Othello’s confidence in Iago’s honesty, Iago reveals that he is in fact hateful of Othello, and sets out to destroy Othello and Desdemona’s happiness, manipulating Othello to serve his own ends. Iago convinces Othello that his wife has been unfaithful with the up-and-coming young soldier Michael Cassio.
As Iago draws Othello and the audience into a web of half-truths, secrets, and betrayal, scandal is fueled -- families and friendships destroyed -- until a piece of supposed evidence of Desdemona’s infidelity, a handkerchief (which Iago calls "trifle light as air") tragically undoes them all. Othello commissions Iago to kill Michael Cassio, and then smothers Desdemona in her bed. When Emilia discovers Othello in the act, she confronts him and explains that it was Iago who tricked them all. Iago kills Emilia, but not before Othello has learned what has been done. Othello commits suicide, and Iago is taken into custody. The play ends before we know what ultimately happens to Iago, but we do know that a profusion of devastation has been left in his wake.
Show Information
- Book
- William Shakespeare
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1603
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- venice and cyprus, time unspecified
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, High School, Large Cast, Mature Audiences, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
The first definitive performance of Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice occurred on November 1, 1604. The source material is predominantly Cinthio’s Un Capitano Moro (The Moorish Captain), although Elizabethan England did have contact with Muslim delegates from Africa. Often, the Moroccan ambassador to Queen Elizabeth, Abd el-Ouahed ben Mohommed Anoun, is thought to be the specific inspiration for the character of Othello. He was significant in negotiating an alliance between
to read the context for Othello and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Othello, The Moor of Venice begins with two men - Roderigo and Iago - slinking their way through the streets of Venice to Brabantio’s house. Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, Brabantio’s daughter and Othello’s new bride. Iago is Othello’s lieutenant, and was passed over for a promotion. Both men have reason to hate Othello, and call to Brabantio to warn him that Othello has kidnapped and married Desdemona. From the darkness, Iago cries out that “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.”
to read the plot for Othello and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
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Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Either Gender |
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A term used in classical theatre to refer to a woman who runs a brothel; often used in comedic or bawdy contexts.
To conceal one's true motives or feelings, a frequent tactic in English Renaissance drama.
Relating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, marked by flourishing English drama and playwrights like Shakespeare and Marlowe.
A large format publication of plays, including the First Folio of Shakespeare, significant to theatre history.
Pertaining to the period of King James I’s reign, known for darker, more violent English drama than the Elizabethan era.
A servant or deceitful man, often used in Shakespearean plays as a term of insult or social rank. This archetype is common in comedic and villainous roles in English Renaissance drama, revealing class tensions and dramatic contrasts.
An archaic contraction of 'I pray thee,' used in English Renaissance plays to make polite requests or appeals. It conveys period formality and is frequently seen in Shakespearean dialogue.
A small book format used to publish early plays, particularly during the Elizabethan era.
An Italian term meaning 'Mister,' often used in opera or classical drama to denote respect or character hierarchy.
A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts or emotions to the audience. Common in Shakespearean plays.
A tailored costume representing formality, social status, or time period. Suits are used to define character and context.
A dramatic genre involving serious themes and the downfall of a protagonist, often evoking catharsis from the audience.
A protagonist whose downfall results from a fatal flaw, central to classical and modern tragedy.
A poetic word for 'face,' often used in classical theatre to describe appearance or emotion.
An archaic oath derived from 'God’s wounds,' used in Elizabethan drama for shock or emphasis.
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