The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, is one of the great tragedies by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in approximately 1603. Othello is a highly esteemed general in the service of Venice. Iago is Othello's ambitious friend. Othello promotes the Michael Cassio to the position of personal lieutenant and Iago is deadly jealous. Iago begins an evil and malicious campaign against the hero. Othello elopes with Desdemona but Iago starts to plot against them. Othello becomes jealous and suspicious of Desdemona. He confides in Iago that he plans to poison Desdemona. Plots and murders ensue and Othello returns to the castle to kill his innocent wife. He eventually smothers her to death.
Emilia tells Othello the truth about the scheming Iago. Othello wounds Iago, then kills himself. Iago kills Emilia. What a tragedy... but we loved it!
The beautiful sunset over White River was the perfect backdrop for the drama. Birds flew low over the river and sunshine sparkled over the valley. It was as though we were all transported to another time where the language was formal, but the stories were all the same.
A perfect summertime Shakespeare picnic among friends!
