'Othello' is a violent exploration of love and jealousy, and what separates it.
It's one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies; a gripping production that will attempt to deeply connect with audience members when Bell Shakespeare presents it across Queensland and New South Wales.
Edmund Lembke-Hogan, who plays Roderigo in the production, has put together a list of plot twists in the show. Look away now if you're not into spoilers.
1. Desdemona proclaims her love for Othello
Iago has masterfully set the pieces in place. Desdemona’s furious father has dragged Othello before the Senate, accusing him of drugging his daughter and forcing her to marry him. Desdemona is sent for. It all hangs in the balance. Othello could be about to lose everything. Iago could be victorious before the end of Act I. But love wins the day. Desdemona proclaims her love for Othello and her father is forced to withdraw. The business of the state drives the plot forward, sending our characters across a heaving sea to war with the Turks. Iago’s first plans are foiled, but a second opportunity is not far away.
2. The Turkish fleet is destroyed
We are whisked to Cyprus where the mightiest of storms has dashed the entire Turkish fleet to pieces, while conveniently delivering our characters to shore. On an island. With no war to fight. Celebrated with a big party. Opportunity is ripe for Iago, and Shakespeare has set the stage for one of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time.3. Cassio is demoted
With the war out of the way, Iago can get back to work. Having plied Cassio with drink, he convinces the love-sick Roderigo to pick a fight with him. Cassio takes the bait and something of a riot ensues. The old alarum (Shakespeare for alarm) bell kicks off, Cassio manages to stab a noble of Cyprus, and Othello is forced to demote him. Iago persuades Cassio to seek Desdemona’s help getting his job back. After all, “Our general’s wife is now the general.” Desperate, Cassio takes the advice and the tragic web starts to spin.
4. Emilia gives Iago the handkerchief
A handkerchief. It all comes down to a handkerchief. Iago’s poison is starting to work on Othello. Desdemona has taken up Cassio’s cause and Othello is seeing Cassio’s kisses on her lips. Desdemona happens to let her handkerchief slip while wiping Othello’s brow and Emilia picks it up. Her wayward husband Iago has been begging her to steal it and she, not without some misgiving, gives it to him. Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s lodging and it becomes the evidence that convinces Othello to kill Desdemona.5. Iago underestimates Emilia
Having manufactured the death of Roderigo and wounding of Cassio, Iago sends Emilia to Othello and Desdemona’s chamber to report. Perhaps this is a mistake, or perhaps Iago wants someone to discover the murder, but either way it’s his undoing. As the horrified group look over Desdemona’s body, Othello reveals it was Cassio having the handkerchief that convinced him of Desdemona’s infidelity. Emilia outs her husband. Incensed, Iago kills her before fleeing the room. Subsequently captured, Iago ends the play promised imminent and prolonged torture, but the only lead player still alive.
Bell Shakespeare's Othello Tour Dates
28 September – The Glasshouse (New South Wales)1 October – The Events Centre Caloundra (Queensland)
4 October – Gladstone Entertainment Centre (Queensland)
8 October – Redland Performing Arts Centre (Queensland)
11 October – Arts Centre Gold Coast (Queensland)
14-22 October – Canberra Theatre Centre
27 October-4 December – Sydney Opera House
