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that Cassio’s conversation with Desdemona will
make Otello jealous. Iago’s desire to destroy
Otello is devilish; his creed is the essence of
malice and nihilism. With cunning intrigue, he
succeeds in convincing Otello that Desdemona
and Cassio have become lovers.
One of Iago’s tricks is to obtain Desdemona’s
handkerchief, which had been a gift to Desde-
mona from Otello – Iago acquires the handker-
chief with the help of his wife, Emilia, Desde-
mona’s attendant, who is unaware of her hus-
band’s plan. Otello’s jealousy is inflamed, and
Desdemona’s pleas on Cassio’s behalf only en-
rage him. To fan the flames, Iago insinuates that
he once heard Cassio speak lovingly of Desde-
mona in his sleep. He then produces the hand-
kerchief, which he alleges Desdemona gave to
Cassio. Otello becomes desperate and swears he
will have vengeance.
Act Three
Otello accuses Desdemona of infidelity. She
unwittingly enrages her husband even more
by defending Cassio. Iago tricks Cassio into
speaking with him while Otello, hidden nearby,
listens, and Iago manipulates the conversation
in a way that convinces Otello of Desdemona’s
guilt. Otello has no doubts about Desdemona’s
guilt once he sees Cassio with Desdemona’s
handkerchief – he doesn’t know Iago tossed
it through a window into the room prior to his
meeting with Cassio.
Otello is in deep despair. An envoy arrives
from Venice. The Doge has summoned Otello
to Venice and appointed Cassio as general.
Otello is enraged. He insults Desdemona in
front of the assembled court and collapses to
the ground. Everyone leaves the room. Iago
puts his heel to Otello’s forehead in triumph.
Act Four
In her chamber, Desdemona is tormented by
her husband’s behaviour and reminisces about
life in her native town. She prays and falls
asleep. Otello enters, wakes her and accuses
her of infidelity. He strangles her. Alarmed by
the noise, Emilia runs into the room and an-
nounces that Cassio has killed Rodrigo. She
reveals Iago’s intrigues and, together with
Cassio, explains how Iago obtained Desdemo-
na’s handkerchief. Iago escapes. Otello stabs
himself and drags himself to Desdemona’s
body, dying after a final kiss.
Τhe performance at Pafos Castle showing Otello and Desdemona
Performance of Otello at the Slovak National Theatre