Act 1

Venice. Courtyard of Senator Brabantio’s Palace. The noble Moor, Othello in the service of the Republic of Venice, eagerly awaits the appearance of Brabantio's daughter, Desdemona. They decided to secretly get married because they know that Desdemona's father will not approve of this marriage.With the help of Cassio, they run away.Ensign Iago, who witnesses the scene, is offended by the Moor as Othello, instead of him, promoted Cassio to be his lieutenant.Iago decides to get rid of Cassio with the help of Roderigo.

The young Venetian nobleman Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and is offended by Desdemona's choice.Upon Iago's advice, Roderigo informs Brabantio that his daughter has run away with the Moor.They will be pursued as ordered by Senator Brabantio.

Othello and Desdemona are getting married. As a token of his love, Othello presents Desdemona with a precious relic, an embroidered handkerchief that his mother gave him before her death. Iago warns Othello that Brabantio is looking for them.

Othello tries to explain to Brabantio that the love between Desdemona and him is pure and he bows before him.

The messengers inform Brabantio and Othello that the Doge of Venice is summoning them to the Senate.The Turkish fleet is heading towards Cyprus.The Doge wants to discuss this matter with Othello.

The Senate.Over the kidnapping of his daughter, Brabantio expresses his outrage in front of the members of the Senate. Othello asks to send for Desdemona so that she may speak the truth in front of the Senate.In anticipation of Desdemona, Othello recounts his own adventures – what he has gone through in life;how he embarked on a warrior’s life and fought in bloody wars; how he was captured and sold to slavery.Othello ends telling his story with the following words: “She loved me for the calamities I had passed, and I loved her for taking sympathy in them.”

Desdemona enters the Senate, confirming before her father and the senators that she married Othello of her own free will. The Doge and the Senators greet the newlyweds and try to reconcile them with Brabantio.

The Doge informs Othello that he has been appointed as the governor of Cyprus.Othello expresses his readiness and appoints Cassio as his lieutenant which infuriates Iago. Iago swears to take revenge on the Moor.        

Act 2

Seaport in Cyprus.The Turkish fleet is destroyed by a storm. At Othello’s order, a celebration is held to mark the defeat of the enemy and his marriage to Desdemona.Everyone is having fun and dancing. Among them is Bianca, who is fascinated by Cassio and captures his attention.

Othello’s Palace.Happy Othello performs a Moorish dance.The guests are leaving. Othello instructs Cassio to keep order in the city.

Iago decides to getCassio drunk and provokes Roderigo to have a brawl with him.Nobleman Montano’s attempts to calm down the drunken lieutenant are in vain.Cassio injures Montano.Angry Othello deprives Cassio of his title. Iago hypocritically expresses sympathy for Cassio and advises Desdemona to ask for help.

Balcony of Othello’s Palace.Desdemona promises Cassio to speak to Othello.During their conversation, Iago brings Othello to the room and makes him suspicious about Desdemona’sinfidelity with Cassio.During the argument, Desdemona drops the handkerchief that Othello gifted to her, which Emilia finds and hands over to Iago.Iago instructed her to steal this very handkerchief, however, Emilia did not know what he intended do with it.Iago gives Desdemona’s handkerchief to Cassio. Iago continues to influence Othello and turns his attention to his wife's handkerchief, which appears in Cassio's hands. The Moor is now convinced of his wife's infidelity.

Iago advises Othello to strangle Desdemona.Furious Othello instructs Iago to kill Cassio.Iago swears to be loyal to the Moor.

Hall at Othello’s Palace.The Doge summons Othello to Venice.Cassio is appointed as the governor of Cyprus.Desdemona is happy to return to her homeland. Obsessed with suspicion, Othello thinks that Desdemona's joy is caused by Cassio's appointment.Othello insults Desdemona in front of the nobility.

Night. In the Street.Encouraged by Iago, Roderigo attacks Cassio at night and wounds him. Unnoticeably sneaking up from behind, Iago then stabs Cassio. The entourage take Cassio away. Iago then kills the wounded Roderigo.

Desdemona’s Bedroom.Sad Desdemona reminisces about happy days they shared with Emilia.Emilia tries to console Desdemona in vain. Desdemona lets Emilia leave. After the prayer, in anticipation of Othello’s arrival, falls asleep.Desdemona wakes up when Othello enters. The Moor accuses her of infidelity.Desdemona tries to convince her husband of her innocence.Othello is furious and stranglesDesdemona.As Emilia rushes to inform Othello of Roderigo's murder, she sees dead Desdemona.When they hear Emilia screaming, Montano, Iago and wounded Cassio rush in.Othello declares that he has killed Desdemona because of her infidelity. To prove it, he grabs from Cassio’s hand the handkerchief he gifted to Desdemona earlier. Astonished Emilia discloses her husband. Iago kills his wife and runs out.Othello realizes his mistake, but it is too late:Desdemona is dead.Othello’s life has lost its meaning. He stabs himself, falling dead on the bed.