Othello
by William Shakespeare
Aug. 8th – 24th, 1996
Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkeley St.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (John 3:19-20)
Shakespeare’s Othello tells the story of the Moor of Venice who is destroyed by the machinations of his ensign, Iago. Determining Iago’s motive is more of an academic pursuit, however, from first introduction we learn that he has been passed over for a military promotion. Gradually, he begins to spin a web of deceit and lies that ensnare all the principal characters. And everything hinges on a strawberry handkerchief…
Called a “domestic tragedy,” Othello’s focus and rapid action are why many consider this to be his greatest play.