Based on Shakespeare's play, Verdi's opera depicts the devastating effects of jealousy, "...the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds upon". Believing Otello has promoted the fast-rising Cassio over himself, Iago plots to destroy both Cassio and Otello. Iago convinces the jealous Otello that his beautiful wife Desdemona is unfaithful, and that Cassio is her lover. Jealousy is followed by tragedy, then retribution, "Has Heaven no more thunderbolts?"
Cast
Crew
Franco Zeffirelli
Director, Adaptation, Production Design
Arrigo Boito
Writer
Masolino D'Amico
Adaptation
William Shakespeare
Novel
Franca Silvi
Editor
Peter Taylor
Editor
Ennio Guarnieri
Director of Photography
John Thompson
Executive Producer
Yoram Globus
Producer
Menahem Golan
Producer
Maurizio Millenotti
Costume Design
Anna Anni
Costume Design
Maria Teresa Corridoni
Key Hair Stylist
Desideria Corridoni
Hairstylist
Giorgio Gregorini
Hairstylist
Alfredo Marazzi
Key Makeup Artist
Giuseppe Verdi
Music
Gianni Quaranta
Art Direction
