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fold workshops, seminars, school lectures, master
classes and music competitions into its programme
going forward. The Company is also looking to
stage co-productions, both in Cyprus and abroad,
with renowned lyrical organisations.
Funding
The Company is largely and mainly supported by
state sponsorship, by private sponsors and by ticket
sales. Unfortunately, private sponsorships are an
inconsistent source of funding, as private compa-
nies are always subject to national and international
economic conditions.
The path the Festival has taken has resulted in
its significant presence on the contemporary arts
scene. Its success speaks for the continued growth
of the Festival and its contribution to contemporary
artistic creation. Developments in the international
arena, as well as modern approaches to cultural
events, require the Pafos Aphrodite Festival Com-
pany to continually adjust its trajectory and devel-
op new structures. It is crucial for the Company to
remain true to its vision and strategic goals.
Synopsis of the Opera
Act One
The people of Cyprus anxiously watch as a storm
rages on the sea and the ship carrying Otello, the
hero of the military expedition against the Turks,
desperately tries to make it into port. The storm set-
tles, the ship anchors safely and cheering Cypriots
welcome the hero (Otello’s triumphant ‘Esultate!’).
Only Ιago, the ensign, does not cheer. Since Otello
promoted Cassio to captain over Iago, Iago hates
Otello and plots revenge. Iago encourages Cassio
to court Otello’s wife, Desdemona, and urges him
to drink (Iago’s ‘brindisi Qua, ragazzi, del vino!’).
Cassio gets drunk and engages in a quarrel with
the former Cypriot governor, Montano. Otello ar-
rives and recalls Cassio’s recent promotion. Night
descends, and Otello and Desdemona recall their
courtship under the starry sky.
Act Two
Iago suggests that Cassio ask Desdemona to talk
to her husband about his demotion, in the hope
Act 4 of the performance at Pafos Castle (past September)