Othello

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.” He runs away to Othello, leaving Roderigo to deal with the incensed Brabantio. In the next scene, Brabantio - with Roderigo in tow - meets with Othello, Iago, and Cassio (the newly promoted lieutenant) in the streets. They are ready to fight when a messenger from the Duke arrives; both Othello and Brabantio are called to the Duke’s chambers.

Before the men arrive, the Duke is discussing the possibility of war with the Turks in Cyprus. Brabantio, Othello, and their men arrive and ask for the Duke