The moor Othello is a powerful general in the Venetian military and a commander on Cyprus. Married to the Venetian noblewoman Desdemona, he is a ferocious fighter who triumphs both in battle and over nature’s forces. However, Othello wrongly places his trust in Iago, intent on destroying him at all cost. To this end Iago exploits the weaknesses of those around him. The unsuspecting officer Cassio follows his dishonest advice as does Roderigo, who is secretly in love with Desdemona. Iago succeeds in convincing Othello, when suffering from a crisis of confidence, that the normal behaviour of others shows signs of their deceit. He sows the seeds of doubt in Desdemona’s fidelity, inducing Othello to murder his wife. When Iago’s wife Emilia confronts Othello with the facts, he kills himself.
Opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi. Performed in Italian with German surtitles.
Running time 2 hours 50 minutes
Premiere 14 Oct 2006
Staging: Vera Nemirova
Set Design: Johannes Leiacker
Costume Design: Frauke Schernau
Lighting Design: Jan Seeger
Choir: Pablo Assante
Dramaturgy: Ilsedore Reinsberg
