An opulent production of Shakespeare’s larger-than-life tragedy
The Moor Othello, a celebrated general but also an outsider, shares a boundless love with Desdemona, a Venetian aristocrat. Defying her family and social convention, they marry. Enter Othello’s military aide, who nurses a vengeful hate for his commander. The deceitful Iago plants seeds of envy that lead to catastrophe for Othello and Desdemona, and their perfect union comes tragically unraveled. Lisa Peterson’s muscular Shakespeare interpretation boils over with fury, sexual heat and consuming passions.
Check out the Learn More tab for video interviews with the director.
Artistic Team/Cast
Director
Scenic Designer
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Composer and Sound Designer
Dramaturg
Voice and Text Director
Cast List
Othello
Iago
Desdemona
Emilia
Roderigo
Cassio
Brabantio, Gratiano, Ensemble
Duke, Ensemble
Ludovico, Senator 1, Ensemble
Bianca, Ensemble
Sailor, Gentleman 1, Ensemble
Gentleman 2, Herald, Ensemble
Ensemble
Ensemble
**AEA Professional Theatre Intern
* Member of Actors' Equity Association
Watch interviews with Lisa Peterson:
Approaching Shakespeare and Othello (1:45)
Characters and themes (3:38)
Play Synopsis
The tragedy of Othello begins late on a suddenly unquiet night in Venice. While Othello marries Desdemona in secret, Iago, Othello’s ensign, and Roderigo, a former suitor to the lady, plot to disrupt the marriage. They awaken Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, who accuses Othello of witchcraft and seduction before the Duke. But a greater danger lies before the state: A Turkish fleet is approaching Cyprus, an island-state currently under Venetian rule. Othello, acquitted of any wrongdoing by the Duke, is dispatched with the Venetian fleet, while Desdemona follows behind with Iago.
On the island of Cyprus, the governor and citizens anxiously await news of either the Venetians or Turks as a great storm rages upon the sea. Othello’s lieutenant Cassio arrives, bringing news of the Turkish fleet’s destruction, and in celebration Othello declares a night of revelry on the island. Iago, jealous of Cassio’s promotion to the lieutenancy, lusting after Desdemona, and harboring morbid fears of his wife’s relations with the Moor, decides to take advantage of the night’s license to put into action his plot to ruin Othello and Cassio both. He enlists Roderigo’s help in disgracing Cassio, assuring the lovelorn and gullible gentleman that Desdemona is in love with the lieutenant and that this disgrace will aid Roderigo’s suit. While Cassio stands the first watch of the night, Iago tempts him with a celebratory drink, knowing his weakness for wine. Soon drunk, Cassio is lured by Roderigo into a fight that quickly raises an alarm in the streets. Hearing the outcry, Othello arrives and casts the drunken lieutenant from both his favor and his position.
Ashamed and desperate to regain his place, Cassio takes Iago’s advice to seek help from Desdemona, who kindly agrees to plead his case to Othello. When Desdemona approaches her husband to ask him to forgive Cassio, Iago takes the opportunity to plant the seeds of suspicion, mistrust, and jealousy in Othello’s fertile imagination. Enraged and despairing at the thought of his new wife’s betrayal, Othello demands “ocular proof.” When Desdemona, aiding her distressed husband, misplaces the handkerchief that was a gift from him, it is recovered by her lady Emilia, who gives it to Iago – the last piece of evidence needed for his plot. falling into place. The fates of Othello and his unlucky wife are sealed with so simple an object. Iago’s vicious plan spins out to its fatal end, destroying the lives of all it touches. -Kate McConnell