Presented by The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Show Dates
Saturday, Oct 26, 7pm
Wednesday, Oct 30, 7:30pm
Sunday, Nov 3, 2pm
Friday, Nov 8, 7:30pm
Monday, Nov 11, 7pm
Sturday, Nov 16, 7pm
Washington National Opera says:
As a raging storm breaks on Cyprus, the governor Otello returns victorious from battle. But there is another storm brewing. Iago, Otello’s ensign, launches a malicious scheme to lead his chief to believe his wife Desdemona is unfaithful. As Iago’s manipulations decay Otello’s trust in those he loves, the great hero will confront his most fatal enemy: his own jealousy.
We launch the new season with Verdi’s monumental retelling of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, last staged by WNO nearly 20 years ago. A powerhouse cast assembles to perform some of opera’s most demanding vocals, including Otello’s vigorous role often dubbed the “Mount Everest” of the tenor repertory. Verdi’s sweeping music offers a psychological medium to explore good and evil, from Desdemona’s tender “Ave Maria” to Iago’s villainous “I believe in a cruel God” manifesto. Behold the downward spiral of a celebrated leader—and see who tragically falls with him.
Starring Russell Thomas as Otello
In Italian with Projected English Titles
Otello
based on Shakespeare’sOthello
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Arrigo Boito
Production originally created by English National Opera as a coproduction with Royal Swedish Opera and Teatro Real Madrid