Verdi's powerful operatic adaptation of Shakepeare's tale of jealousy and betrayal is helmed by David Alden, returning to the London Coliseum following his recent triumphant production of Peter Grimes. The Moorish army general Otello and his new wife Desdemona's happiness is destroyed by his manipulative Captain Iago, with Verdi's powerful yet tender score permeating the action on-stage. Part of the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, this will be a true delight for Bard followers and opera fans alike.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Following a successful military campaign, Moorish commander of the Venetian Army Otello returns to his beloved wife Desdemona in Cyprus. However, his jealous and captain Iago is determined to ruin his happiness and advance his own career. Planting poisonous suggestions in his superior's head that Desdemona was having an affair with another officer, Otello's own insecurities about his position come to an explosive conclusion as enraged, he suffocates his innocent wife in her sleep.

Afterwards, it becomes apparent that she had not indulged in any kind of liaison whatsoever, and filled with remorse, he commits suicide, and Iago is exposed for the fraud he is, but escapes justice by fleeing.