School of Music Program Book 1951-1952 Page: 20
[240] p. : ill., ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this book.
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CAST OF CHARACTERS
Othello, a Moor, general in the Venetian Army Thomas Harllee
Iago, his aide Edgar Stone
Cassio, lieutenant to Othello Richard Moore
Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman Ken Davis, Walter Wolfram
Lodovico, Ambassador of the Venetian Republic James Ramsey
Montano, predecessor of Othello as Governor of Cyprus Gene Branscome
A Herald Charles Baker
Desdemona, Othello's wife Lucille Mendenhall
Emilia, Iago's wife Lois Bruce
Chorus of Venetian Ladies and Gentlemen, Cypriot Men and Women,
Soldiers of the Republic, Four Waiters
Mary McCormic, Director of Opera Workshop, Producer
George E. Morey, Conductor
Willard Elliot, Assistant Conductor
Jean Officer, Workshop PianistAct I
Act II
Act III
Act IVExterior of Othello's castle
A hall on the ground floor of the castle
The great hall of the castle
Desdemona's bedroomTime: 15th Century
Curtains will close to denote passage of time.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Schimenti, New York
Joe Johnston, Texas Costume Shop, Denton, TexasScenery
CostumesSTORY OF OTHELLO
ACT I
A storm rages and the angry sea is visible in the background. A group of Venetian citizens
and soldiers watch the vessel bearing the victorious Othello as it struggles with the storm. His
vessel arrives safely, and amid great rejoicing the Moor announces a complete victory over the
Turkish fleet.
When he has entered the castle, the soldiers begin drinking in celebration of the victory. Among
them is Iago, who is secretly smarting with a desire for revenge since his comrade in arms,
Cassio, has been promoted to a higher rank than himself by Othello. Iago is, moreover, greatly
incensed that this Moor should have risen to be a general in the Venetian army, and now honored
by being made Governor of Cyprus. He finds a willing ally in Roderigo, who loves Desdemona,
and still desires her, even though she has married Othello. Iago, therefore, induces Roderigo to
help in plying Cassio with wine.
Cassio at first refuses to drink, knowing his own particular weakness; but when Iago toasts
Desdemona, he is obliged to respond. He is soon hopelessly befuddled, grows hilarious, finally
quarrelsome. Iago now cunningly manages to have him pick a quarrel with Montano, Othello's
predecessor in the government of Cyprus. Swords are drawn, Montano is wounded and Iago
fans the disturbance into a small riot. This is put down by the appearance of Othello, who is
enraged that his own soldiers should thus be fighting among themselves, and deprives Cassio of
his command. Iago's crafty planning has already begun its work.
The crowd departs, leaving Othello alone with his wife, the gentle Desdemona. They sing a duet
in which Othello describes how Desdemona, hearing him tell of his hardships and dangers in
battle, came to love him. As Othello kisses her, the orchestra plays an impassioned phrase that
will be repeated with telling effect at the end of the opera. Husband and wife now re-enter the
castle. The peace of a starlight night envelops the scene.
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North Texas State College. School of Music. School of Music Program Book 1951-1952, book, 1952; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc75563/m1/22/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Music Library.