Plays are meant to be performed rather than read. The purpose of dramatic arts often extends far beyond the words written on a pagestaging, lighting, costumes intonation, expression, and audience experience are all part of the experience of a theatrical production. To help develop your understanding of Othello and the cultural role of the dramatic arts, you will view a production of the play this week and write a two-page reflection to explain your viewing experience. Please make sure you review the Assignment Connection portion of this week’s lesson, as it will provide some additional help.
Below, please find two adaptations of Othello.
Otelo (Links to an external site.) (Spanish version)
https://globalshakespeares.mit.edu/otelo-bittencourt-jefferson-2014/
Othello (Links to an external site.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCdHpKXw_Tg
(1981, William Marshall version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCdHpKXw_Tg&feature=emb_title
You may also find this short interview helpful:
Is Othello a Racist Play? (Links to an external site.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAcmVH8vqZw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAcmVH8vqZw&feature=emb_title
For this assignment, you will view one of the above versions of Othello. You will also find this website (Links to an external site.) valuable in helping you understand how to analyze a play. Once you’ve gone through the website link and watched the play, please complete a reflection that addresses the following.
Identify the performance that you have selected and why you chose that performance.
Describe the staging, lighting, costumes, and characters of the performance. How do these match or revise the written version of the play?
What type of mood and tone does the performance create? How?
What parts of the play are easier to understand through performance? What are some details that stood out through the performance?
What does the performance suggest about the role of theater in contemporary culture? (Please write a strong paragraph that thoughtfully answers this question.)
