On the 15th September the Teatro Real opens the season with a new production of Othello by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), a co-production with the English National Opera and the Stockholm Royal Opera.
Driven by the succinctness of Boito's libretto, which simplifies the Shakespearean story but gives depth to the characters and their relationship, Verdi puts all his creative talent to the service of the dramaturgy, creating a seamless score in which arias, duos, recitatives and ariosos are interwoven in a continuum in which the dramatic tension is maintained constant, even in the moments of greater intimacy and lyricism.
In this powerful opera which has such strong dramaturgy, the Director David Alden has focused on Othello's internal conflict, his warrior like qualities masking great insecurity which make him vulnerable to the perverse machinations of Iago. A bleak Mediterranean city in ruins created by the stage designer Jon Morrell emphasize the horrific atmosphere of the Shakespearean tragedy which Verdi magnified and made universal.
On the occasion of remembrance of 400 years since Shakespeare's death and in celebration of the Teatro Real's 200 years Othello, will be broadcast globally on the platform Shakespeare Lives in 140 countries from the British Council websites as well as in theaters such as Shakespeare Theatre de Gdansk (Polonia) or the National Theatre of Rumania.
During the interval the audience will be able to enjoy a selection of short films directed by well known British directors who give a distinctly contemporary take on Shakespeare's classics. There will also be a series of interviews with the artists of Othello which can be followed on social media on #ShakespeareLives so that audience can enjoy a multiple perspective of this work of art from the different areas of creation.
The partnership of the British Council with the Teatre Real will continue n the future with a focus digital venutures, audio visual and education projects.