Othello+Summary

=The Summary at a Glance= When Othello, a prominent, black military general in the Venetian army passes over his “honest and loyal” right-hand man Iago to instead promote the Florentine Michael Cassio, Iago begins a plot against Othello to undo him completely. Iago’s scheme begins on the night of Othello’s secret elopement to the fair Desdemona, revealing the marriage to her father Brabantio, a senator of Venice. However, Iago’s attempt proves fruitless when the Venetian army becomes locked in a war with the Turks. Indispensable in the upcoming battle, Othello avoids all chastisement and is instead sent to lead the campaign near the island of Cyprus.

After the Venetians prove victorious and the army has settled in Cyprus, “honest” Iago continues his plot for revenge. Using his wit and Othello’s trust in him, Iago sets out to convince Othello that Desdemona has been having an affair with Michael Cassio. Meanwhile, Iago manipulates the rich Roderigo’s hope to supplant Othello’s place with Desdemona, convincing Roderigo to act against Cassio. Even when Iago’s word isn’t enough for Othello, he manufactures proof for him in the form of Desdemona’s stolen handkerchief, claiming that he found it among Cassio’s belongings. With Othello locked in a jealous frenzy, Iago finally plants the idea to Othello of killing Desdemona, promising to serve him in whatever he chooses, and thus “make the net that shall enmesh them all.”

//-Sean Harrigan, Assistant Director//