Rielaborazione della tragedia di William Shakespeare, utilizzata nel Laboratorio di Teatro Inglese,
coordinato dai prof. Olmo e Pinto. Tempi di attuazione: due ore settimanali nel secondo quadrimestre
dell'anno scolastico 2003/2004

OTHELLO

PERSONAGGI
Othello
Desdemona
Iago
Cassio
Roderigo
Brabantio
Lodovico
Emilia
Montano
Bianca
Gratiano
Doge – Duke
Senator 1
Senator 2
Herald
Soldiers

 

ACT 1 SCENE 1 – STRADA DAVANTI ALLA CASA DI BRABANTIO
Balletto nuziale: Disposizione su due file, Desdemona e Otello si staccano e accennano ad un passo di valzer

RODERIGO
I take it much unkindly that you, Iago,
Should know of this.

IAGO
By the faith of man,
1 know my price, I am worth no worse a place;
Cassio must be his Lieutenant,
And I - his moorship's Ancient.

RODERIGO
I would not follow him then.

IAGO
O, Sir, content you:
I follow him to serve my turn upon him.

I will revenge when it is the right time
Io saprò vendicarmi al momento opportuno

ACT 1 SCENE 2 – STRADA DAVANTI ALLA CASA DI BRABANTIO
Iago e Roderigo si avvicinano alla casa di BRABANTIO.

RODERIGO
What, ho, Brabantio! Signor Brabantio, ho!

IAGO
Look to your house, your daughter!

BRABANTIO
I know you, Roderigo,
My daughter is not for you.

IAGO
Your daughter HAS FLED WITH the Moor.

BRABANTIO
You are a villain.

RODERIGO
Sir, If Your daughter is in your chamber or your house,
Let loose on me the justice.

BRABANTIO
Call up all my people!

Brabantio torna in casa affannato

IAGO
Farewell, I must leave you.


Roderigo cerca di trattenerlo, ma Jago se ne va.
Brabantio esce in strada con alcuni della casa.

BRABANTIO
Gone she is.
Do you know where they are?

RODERIGO
I think I can discover them.

BRABANTIO
(Ai Servitori)
Get weapons, Ho!

BALLETTO DELLA FUGA: Toccata e fuga

ACT 1 SCENE 3 – LUNGO LA STRADA
Cassio e i soldati incontrano Othello e Iago

IAGO (a Othello)
I pray you, sir, are you fast married?
Othello annuisce

CASSIO
Sir, you have been hotly called by the Duke.

OTHELLO
Have with you.

Exeunt verso il Palazzo dei Dogi.

BALLETO GRAN CONSIGLIO: maschere veneziane,
musica settecento

ACT 1 SCENE 4 - COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT
Entrano DUKE, LUDOVICO, alcuni SENATORI e Messaggeri, Jago, Cassio, Othello, Brabantio

FIRST SENATOR
The Turkish fleet is bearing up to Rhodes
But their purposes are towards Cyprus.

DUKE
Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
Against the Turkish enemy.

BRABANTIO
Good your grace, pardon me -

DUKE
What's the matter?

BRABANTIO
My daughter! O, my daughter!

DUKE
Dead?

BRABANTIO
Yes, to me.
She is abused, stolen from me by this man.

DUKE (to Othello)
What can you say to this?

OTHELLO
I pray you, send for the lady
And let her speak of me before her father.

DUKE
Fetch Desdemona here.

Iago esce per cercare Desdemona.

DUKE
Speak, Othello.

OTHELLO
She loved me for my story,
And I loved her that she did pity them.

Tutti volgono lo sguardo quando entra Desdemona con Iago.

DESDEMONA
My noble father,
You are lord of all my duty,
I am your daughter. But here's my husband;
that I may profess
Due to the Moor, my lord.

BRABANTIO
God bless you!

DUKE
Othello, you must away tonight for Cyprus.

OTHELLO
With all my heart.

DESDEMONA
O my lord I will come with you

OTHELLO
I’ll leave my Ancient Iago attend on my dear wife

FIRST SENATOR
Adieu, brave Moor.

SECOND SENATOR
Use Desdemona well.

BRABANTIO
Look to her, Moor, if you have eyes to see.
She has deceived her father and may you.

OTHELLO
My life upon her faith!

MUSICA TRIONFALE DA EROE
Exeunt but Iago and Roderigo

Escono tutti, così Iago spiega a Roderigo il suo piano vendicativo contro Otello.

RODERIGO
To live is a torment.

IAGO
Put money in your purse. Follow these wars.
Desdemona cannot long continue her love to the Moor.

IAGO (da solo)
I hate the Moor,
Let's see…
After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear
That Cassio is too familiar with his wife…

Odio il Moro
questa è l’idea…
Fra un po’ di tempo farò insospettire Otello,
balenando che Cassio è in intimità con sua moglie…

BALLETTO DELLO SBARCO A CIPRO: costumi da marinai, pirati, bende sugli occhi… marcia trionfale inno militare

ACT 2 SCENE 1 MURA DEL CASTELLO – CYPRUS - GIORNO
Enter Othello, Iago, Desdemona…. seguito

OTHELLO
O, my fair warrior!

DESDEMONA
Oh, my dear Othello.

Si abbracciano

IAGO (A parte)
You are well tuned now!
But I'll set down the pegs that make this music. Siete così bene accordati!
Ma mi appresterò a scordare la vostra musica

OTHELLO
News, friends; our wars are done; the
Turks are drowned in this desperate storm.

Exeunt all but Iago and Roderigo

IAGO
Listen to me. Desdemona is directly in love with Cassio.

RODERIGO
(scuotendo il capo)
I cannot believe that in her: she's full of most blessed condition.

IAGO
But, sir, be you ruled by me.
You must find some occasion to anger Cassio.

RODERIGO
Well.
Exit

IAGO (aside)
I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong
That judgment cannot cure.
Metterò il Moro in un tale stato di gelosia che la ragione non potrà guarirlo

Exit

ACT 2 SCENE 2 - PIAZZA DELLA FESTA

HERALD
It’s Othello pleasure to celebrate the perdition of the Turkish fleet
And his marriage.

BALLETTO FESTEGGIAMENTI: musica napoletana, tamburelli, nacchere…

ENTER Cassio, Iago and soldiers, Montano

CASSIO
Welcome, Iago; we must go to the watch.

IAGO
But one cup; I'll drink for you. (Bevono)

CASSIO
To the health of our General!

IAGO
(aside)
One cup upon him and he’ll be as full of quarrel
As my young mistress’ dog.
Ora che Cassio ha bevuto un bicchiere e gli gira la testa,
sarà più irascibile che mai.
Farò di tutto per provocarlo e far scattare l’ira di tutta l’isola contro di lui.

CASSIO
To the platform, master; (barcollando)

Exit Cassio

IAGO (a Roderigo)
Follow Cassio

Exit Roderigo
Rimangono in scena Iago e Montano

ACT 2 SCENE 3 PIAZZA

Roderigo rientra di corsa inseguito da Cassio.

CASSIO
A knave teach me my duty?

RODERIGO
Beat me?

Cassio colpisce Roderigo con un manrovescio, facendolo cadere a terra.
Quando si rialza cerca di colpire Cassio con un calcio e Cassio sguaina la spada

MONTANO
No, good Lieutenant, I pray you, sir, hold your hand.

IAGO
You're drunk.

Cassio colpisce Montano con la spada

Enter Othello e scorta

I litiganti si fermano con le armi alzate.

Silence.

OTHELLO
Worthy Montano. What's the matter?

MONTANO
I am hurt to danger.
Iago can inform you.

IAGO
There comes a fellow and Cassio following him with determined sword.
I found them close together as they were
When you did part them.

Arriva un tale e poi Cassio che lo insegue con la spada per ucciderlo.
Io li ho trovati che si battevano, come quando li avete separati.

OTHELLO
Cassio you nevermore be officer of mine.

Othello strappa I gradi dalla spalla di Cassio. Escono TUTTI meno Iago e Cassio (disperato)

IAGO
I'll tell you what you shall do. Confess yourself freely to Desdemona; she'll help you.

CASSIO
You advise me well.
Cassio rinfrancato esce.

IAGO (A PARTE)
Now I’ll bring the Moor jump when he may find Cassio soliciting his wife.

Ora chiamerò il Moro che potrà sorprendere Cassio nel momento in cui supplica sua moglie.

Exit

BALLETTO DUELLO: musica da moschettiere

ACT 3 SCENE 1 INTERNO PALAZZO

Enter Cassio, Desdemona and Emilia

DESDEMONA
Be sure, Good Casio, I will do.
All my abilities in your behalf.

CASSIO
Generous madam,
He’s never anything but your true servant.

EMILIA
Madam, here comes my lord.

Enter Othello and Iago mentre Exit Cassio

IAGO (sospettoso)
(borbottando)
Ha! I don’t like that.

OTHELLO
Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?

Othello si avvicina a Desdemona mentre Iago si scosta

DESDEMONA
How now, my lord?
I have been talking with Cassio,
I pray you forgive him.

OTHELLO
Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time.

DESDEMONA
When? Tonight? Tomorrow?

OTHELLO (arrendevole)
Let him come when he will;
I will deny you nothing.

Lei sorride e lo abbraccia. Si guardano negli occhi

OTHELLO
Leave me but a little to myself.
Exit Desdemona

Iago guarda Othello

Iago insinua dubbi sulla lealtà di Cassio

IAGO
Did Michael Cassio,
When you courted Desdemona, know of your love?

OTHELLO
He did from first to last.

IAGO
Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio;
She deceived her father, marrying you.

OTHELLO
I am bound to you forever.

IAGO
My lord, farewell.
Exit Iago

OTHELLO(a parte)

If he proves her fault I will leave Desdemona at her fortune.
Se proverà la sua colpa lascerò Desdemona al suo destino.

Balletto Fazzoletto 1

ACT 3 SCENE 3 SALA DEL CASTELLO

Musica forte: tensione crescente

Enter Desdemona, Othello, Emilia

DESDEMONA
Why don’t you come to dance?

OTHELLO
I am not well.

Desdemona prende un fazzoletto per asciugargli la fronte.
Lui allontana la mano e lei lascia cadere il fazzoletto a terra.

OTHELLO
Come, I'll go in with you.

DESDEMONA
I am very sorry that you are not well.

Exeunt Othello and Desdemona

Emilia vede il fazzoletto, lo raccoglie

EMILIA
I am glad I have found this:
Iago has a hundred times asked me to steal it.
What he will do with it,
but to please his fantasy.

ENTER Jago che la sorprende

EMILIA (civettando)
I have a thing for you.

IAGO
What? The handkerchief?

EMILIA
That the Moor first gave to Desdemona.

IAGO
(Mostrando interesse)
Have you stolen it from her?

EMILIA
No, faith: She let it drop,
And I being there took it up.

IAGO
Give it to me.
I have use for it. Go, leave me.

Emilia si allontana

IAGO (A parte)
This is a proof for Othello
Questa è una prova per Othello

Balletto del fazzoletto musica da suspence.

ACT 3 SCENE 3 INTERNO CASTELLO

Enter Othello and Iago.

IAGO
Have you not sometimes seen a silk handkerchief
in your wife's hand?

OTHELLO
I gave her such a one; it was my first gift.

IAGO
I’ve seen Cassio with it.

OTHELLO
If it be that... within three days Cassio’s not alive.

IAGO
At your request my friend is dead

OTHELLO
Now you are my Lieutenant.
Exeunt

ACT 3 SCENE 4 - CAMERA DEGLI SPOSI

Enter Desdemona ed Emilia

DESDEMONA
Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?

EMILIA
I don’t know madam.

DESDEMONA
Fortunately my noble Moor
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are.

EMILIA
Is he not jealous?

ENTER Othello

DESDEMONA
Well, my good lord.
Your promise.

OTHELLO
What promise, chuck?

DESDEMONA
I have bid Cassio come speak to you.

OTHELLO
I have a cold: Lend me that handkerchief.

DESDEMONA
Here, my lord.

Gli offre un fazzoletto bianco.

OTHELLO
That which I gave you.

DESDEMONA
I have it not about me.

OTHELLO
Not?

DESDEMONA
No, my lord.

DESDEMONA
I pray you let Cassio be received again.

OTHELLO
Fetch me my handkerchief.

DESDEMONA
Come, come;
You'll never meet a more sufficient man.

OTHELLO
The handkerchief!

DESDEMONA
I pray, talk me of Cassio.

OTHELLO
The handkerchief!

DESDEMONA
A man that all his time
Shared dangers with you –

OTHELLO
The handkerchief!

DESDEMONA
In faith, you are to blame.

OTHELLO
Zounds!
Exit Othello (arrabbiato)
Desdemona piange disperato

EMILIA
Is not this man jealous?

DESDEMONA
I never saw this before.

EMILIA
Men are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they're jealous.

Exeunt
Balletto della gelosia

ACT 4 SCENE 1 INTERNO CASTELLO

Enter Iago and Othello

Iago ingannerà Othello facendogli credere che Desdemona lo tradisce con Cassio

OTHELLO
Did you speak to Cassio? Did he confess?

IAGO
I will make him tell the tale again,
Hide yourself (lo nasconde dietro il sipario)

IAGO (a parte)
Othello will think we speak of Desdemona and shall go mad.
Otello penserà che si parli di Desdemona e impazzirà di gelosia.

Enter Cassio.

IAGO
Did you ply Desdemona ? (a voce alta)
(sbisbigliando) Now, if this were in Bianca's power…

CASSIO
I think, in faith, she loves me.

IAGO
What about you?

Cassio ride di cuore.

CASSIO
Oh, I pray you, some charity to my wit.

Iago and Cassio ridono
Othello in disparte arrabbiato OTHELLO Damn. It is true!

IAGO
Before me, look where Bianca comes.

Enter Bianca

CASSIO
How is it with you, my most fair Bianca?

Lei sventola un fazzoletto sotto il naso di Cassio. Iago è stupito e controlla la reazione di Othello.

BIANCA
What’s this? This is some token from a newer girlfriend.

CASSIO
No, by my faith.

BIANCA
Whose is it?

CASSIO
I don’t know. I found it in my room.

BIANCA
This is some lady's present. There it is.

Glielo getta addosso.

BIANCA
Give it to her, wherever you had it.

Esce Bianca . Iago e Cassio ridono di lei.

IAGO
After her, after her.

CASSIO
Faith, I must. She'll rail in the streets else.

Cassio Exit.

OTHELLO
You were right.
Get me some poison, Iago, this night.

IAGO
Do it not with poison; strangle her in her bed, even the bed she has contaminated.

OTHELLO
Good, good. The justice of it pleases; very good –

IAGO
And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker..

Exeunt

Balletto drammatico

ACT 4 SCENE 2 CAMERA DEGLI SPOSI

Musica tragica

Desdemona è addormentata

Enter Othello

OTHELLO (pensa a voce alta)
Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.

La bacia.

OTHELLO
One more, and this the last.

DESDEMONA (svegliandosi)
Who's there?
(silence)
Othello?

OTHELLO
Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?

DESDEMONA
Yes, my lord.

OTHELLO
I would not kill your unprepared spirit;

DESDEMONA
Talk you of killing?

OTHELLO
Yes, I do.

DESDEMONA
Then heaven
Have mercy on me.

OTHELLO
Think on your sins.

DESDEMONA
They are loves I bear to you.

OTHELLO
And for that you die.

DESDEMONA
Then Lord have mercy on me.

OTHELLO
I say, Amen.

Stringe le mani intorno al collo di Desdemona che si aggrappa a lui lo supplica con gli occhi

Musica in crescendo

OTHELLO
O, Lord, Lord, Lord.

Desdemona muore tra le sue mani

EMILIA (FUORI SCENA)
What, ho! My lord, my lord!

Entra Emilia.

Vede Desdemona morta.

EMILIA
Help. O lady, speak .
Sweet Desdemona, speak.

OTHELLO
It was I that killed her.

EMILIA
O, the more angel she,
And you the blacker devil.

OTHELLO
Ask your husband.
Iago knew it all.

EMILIA
My husband said that she was false?

OTHELLO
Yes, with Cassio.

EMILIA
If he say so, he lies to the heart.

Othello afferra la spada.

EMILIA
Help! Murder!

Entrano Montano, Gratiano, Iago e tutti gli altri.

MONTANO
How now, general?

Otello sta in piedi impietrito.

EMILIA
O Iago? What have you done?

GRATIANO
What is the matter?

EMILIA (to Iago)
You told him that his wife was false.
You told a lie, Speak.

Tutti guardano Iago, meno Othello che fissa nel vuoto.

IAGO
I told him what I thought.

OTHELLO
It is true indeed.

EMILIA
O villain.

IAGO (a Emilia)
Be wise and get you home.

EMILIA
O you dull moor, that handkerchief you speak of
I found by fortune and gave my husband.

IAGO
You lie. (sguaina la spada contro Emilia)

GRATIANO
Fie. Your sword upon a woman!

OTHELLO
Villain.

Othello corre verso Iago; Montano lo disarma.
Iago colpisce Emilia alla schiena con la spada

MONTANO
He has killed his wife. (disarma Iago)

Entrano anche Cassio medicato e Lodovico

OTHELLO
If you are a devil, I cannot kill you
For in my sense it is happiness to die.
(to Iago)
Why have you thus trapped my soul and body?

IAGO
Demand me nothing; what you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word.

I soldati si avvicinano a Othello.

LODOVICO
You go with us.
Cassio will rule in Cyprus.

OTHELLO
I pray you, -
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
You must speak
Of one that loved not wisely, but too well;
Of one not easily jealous, but, being deceived,
confused in the extreme.

Barcollando verso Desdemona.

OTHELLO (a Desdemona)
I kissed you before I killed you: No way but this,
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.

Sguaina il pugnale e se lo pianta nel petto La bacia, morendo

CASSIO
This did I fear, For he was great of heart.

LODOVICO (to Iago)
Look. This is your work.
(al pubblico)
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate.

Exeunt
CURTAIN