Othello, the Moor of Venice, a tragedy…
November 1604 CE
Othello, the Moor of Venice, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, is believed to have been written in approximately 1603, and based on the Italian short story Un Capitano Moro ("A Moorish Captain") by Cinthio, a disciple of Boccaccio, first published in 1565.
The work revolves around four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army; his wife Desdemona; his lieutenant, Cassio; and his trusted ensign Iago.
Because of its varied themes—racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal—Othello is widely felt to remain relevant to the present day and is often performed in professional and community theaters alike.
The play has also been the basis for numerous operatic, film, and literary adaptations.
The earliest mention of the play is found in a 1604 Revels Office account, which records that on "Hallamas Day, being the first of Nouembar ... the Kings Maiesties plaiers" performed "A Play in the Banketinghouse att Whit Hall Called The Moor of Venis."
The work is attributed to "Shaxberd."
The Revels account was first printed by Peter Cunningham in 1842, and, while its authenticity was once challenged, is now regarded as genuine (as authenticated by A. E. Stamp in 1930).
Based on its style, the play is usually dated 1603 or 1604, but arguments have been made for dates as early as 1601 or 1602.
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Subjects
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North Europe
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