OTHELL O

Characters
Balbuena, Oniel as OTHELLO
Atillo, John Glenn J. as LAGO
Alvarico, Elzyna as MICHAEL CASSIO
Canedo, Gary as RODERIGO
Caynila, Regina as DESDEMONA
Andrino, Via as EMILIA
Bacalso, Kimberly as MONTANO
Bagalanon, Ella Marie as the DUKE
Capoy, Gillie Mae as BRABANZIO and
GRAZIANO
Cabanig, Junalyn as LODOVICO
Alberca, Vera Mae as BIANCA
ACT I

i. Meeting of Lago and Roderigo

Setting: Street of Venice
Characters: Lago, Roderigo
Roderigo: So Desdemona married Othello? I
just dont understand why she would marry
that lame general over me, one of the richest
men in Italy. I mean, Othellos not from here
at all. He is a moor for Petes sake.
Lago: I do hate him, I swear. Three of
Venices most important noblemen took
their hats off to him and asked him humbly
to make me his lieutenant, the second in
command. And I know my own worth well
enough to know I deserve that position. But
he wants to have things his own way, so he
sidesteps the issue with a lot of military talk
and refuses their request. Ive already
chosen my lieutenant, he says. And who
does he choose? A guy who knows more
about numbers then fighting! This guy from
Florence named Michael Cassio. He has a
pretty wife but he cant even control her.
And hes definitely never commanded men
in battle. Hes got no more hands-on
knowledge of warfare than an old woman
unless you count what hes read in books,
which any peace-lover can do. His military
understanding is all theory, no practice. But
 Cassios been chosen over me. My career is
cut short by some bookkeeper, even though
the general saw my fighting skills first-hand
in Rhodes and Cyprus. This accountant is
now lieutenant, while I end up as the Moors
flag bearer.
Roderigo: I dont care whom you love or
whom you hate. Ive been paying you to
help me in my suit to Desdemona and I want
to expect to get what my moneys worth.
Lago: Whoa! Hang in there for a while boss.
Youre getting what you want, just give me
some time. Ill sorts this out.
ii. Meeting with the Duke
Setting: House of the Brabantio
Characters: Lago, Roderigo and Brabantio
Lago: Wake up, Brabantio! Wake up!
Thieves! Thieves! Check on your daughter,
your house, your money! Thieves! Thieves!
Brabantio: Whats the reason for this
horrible shouting? Whats the matter?
Roderigo: Sir, is everyone in your family at
home?
Lago: Are your doors locked?
Brabantio: Why are you asking me that?
Lago: For Gods sake, sir, youve been
robbed

Brabantio: Why are you talking about

robbery? This is Venice. My house isnt in
some remote countryside.
Lago: The kind that tells you that the Moor
is having sex with your daughter right now.
( Brabantio exits )
Lago: (to RODERIGO) Its time for me to
say goodbye to you. It would be
inappropriatedangerous, evenfor me to
be seen working against the Moor, as I
would if I stayed. The Venetian government
might reprimand him for this, but it cant
safely get rid of him, since it needs him
urgently for the imminent Cyprus wars.
They couldnt find another man with his
abilities to lead their armed forcesnot if
their souls depended on it. I hate him, but
Ive got to show him signs of loyalty and
affection, even if its just an act. If you want
to find him, send the search party to the
Sagittarius Inn. He and I will be there.
Brabantio: Shes gone. The rest of my life
will be nothing but bitterness. Now,
Roderigo, where did you see her?Oh, that
miserable wretch!You say you saw her
with the Moor?Oh, who would want to be
a father?How did you know it was her?
To think she tricked me so easily!What
did she say to you?Get me more candles,
and wake up all my relatives. Do you think
theyre married?
Roderigo: Yes, I really think so.
 Brabantio: Do you know where we can find
her and the Moor?
Roderigo: I think I can find him. Get
together a group of armed men and follow
me.
iii. Confrontation with Othello and
Desdemona
Setting: Court
Characters: Lago, Roderigo, Brabantio,
Othello, Duke, Cassio, and Desdemona
Brabantio: I humbly thank you, sir. Here is
the man, the Moor. It seems you had your
own reasons for summoning him here.
Duke: (to OTHELLO) what do you have to
say for yourself?
Brabantio: Nothing, but this is true.
Othello: Noble, honorable gentlemen whom
I serve: its true that Ive taken this mans
daughter from him and married her. But
thats my only offense. Theres nothing
more. So I wont do myself much good by
speaking in my own defense. But if youll
let me, Ill tell you the plain story of how we
fell in love, and what drugs, charms, spells,
and powerful magicbecause thats what
Im being accused ofI used to win his
daughter. Shes a good girl, quiet and
obedient. She blushes at the slightest thing.
And you want me to believe that despite her
young age and proper upbringing she fell in
 love with a man shed be afraid to look at?
The very thought of it is ridiculous. Youd
have to be stupid to think that someone so
perfect could make such an unnatural
mistake as that. The devil must be behind
this. Therefore I say again that he must have
used some powerful drug or magic potion on
her.
Duke: Your saying this isnt proof. There has
to be clear evidence that hes done this, not
just these accusations.
Othello: Please, send for Desdemona to
come here from the Sagittarius Inn and ask
her to speak about me in front
Desdemona: Father, this isnt easy for me.
Im torn. I owe you respect because you
gave me life and education. Youre the one I
have to obey. Im your daughter. But this
man here is my husband now, and I owe him
as much as my mother owed you, just as she
preferred you to her own father. So I have to
give my obedience to the Moor, my husband
Duke: Let me refer to a proverb that may
help you forgive these lovers: if you cant
change something, dont cry about it. When
you lament something bad thats already
happened, youre setting yourself up for
more

ACT I
i. Meeting on Cyprus
Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Montano and three Gentlemen
Montano: What can you see out on the
ocean?
First Gentlemen: Nothing. The waters so
rough that I cant see any sails, either in the
bay or on the ocean.
Montano: It was windy on shore too. A big
blast of wind shook our fortifications. How
could a ship made out of wood hold together
in those mountainous waves? What do you
think will be the result of this storm?
Second Gentlemen: The Turkish navy will
be broken up. The winds whipping up the
waves so high you expect them to reach the
clouds and splash against the stars in the
sky. Ive never seen the waters so disturbed.
Montano: If the Turkish fleet isnt protected
in some harbor, their men must all be
drowned. No ship could survive this storm.
A THIRD GENTLEMAN enters.
Third Gentlemen: Ive got news, boys, the
wars over! This terrible storm has smashed
the Turks so badly that their plans are
ruined. One of our ships has reported that it
saw most of their fleet shipwrecked.
Montano: What? Is this true?
Third Gentlemen: The ships sailing into
harbor now; its from Verona. Michael
Cassio, lieutenant of the Moor Othello, has
 arrived on shore. The Moor himself is still at
sea. Hes been commissioned to come here
to Cyprus.
Montano: Im happy about that. Hell be a
good governor.
Third Gentlemen: Cassio brings good news
about the Turkish defeat, but hes worried
about the Othellos safety. The two of them
were separated during the storm.
Montano: I hope to God Othellos all right. I
served under him, and I know what an
excellent commander he is. Lets go to the
shore to get a look at the ship that came in,
and to look out for Othellos ship.
Third Gentlemen: Lets do that. Every
minute we expect more ships to arrive.
ii. Meeting of Lago and Roderigo part 2
Setting: Harbor
Characters: Lago and Roderigo
Lago: Meet me down at the harbor.Come
here. They say love makes cowards brave.
So if youre brave, listen to me. Lieutenant
Cassio will be on guard duty tonight. But
first, I have to tell you that Desdemonas
completely in love with him.
Roderigo: With Cassio? Thats impossible
Lago: Be quiet and listen to me. Remember
how she fell madly in love with the Moor
because he bragged and told her made-up
stories? Did you expect her to keep on
 loving him for his chattering? Youre too
smart to think that. No, she needs someone
nice-looking. Othellos ugly, what pleasure
could she find in him?
Lago: They were lusting after each other.
You could tell by how they were acting that
theyre going to be lovers. Ill be nearby.
Make Cassio angry somehow, either by
speaking too loud, or insulting his military
skills, or however else you want.
Roderigo: Alright.
Lago: Hes hot-tempered, and he might try
to hit you with his staff. Try to get him to
do that. Thatll allow me to stir up public
sentiment against him here in Cyprus. Ill
get them so riled up that theyll only calm
down when Cassios fired. To get what you
want, you need to get Cassio out of the
way. If you dont do that, things are
hopeless for you.
Roderigo: Ill do it, if you help me out.
Lago: I promise I will. Meet me in a little
while at the citadel. I need to get Othellos
things from the ship. Goodbye.
Roderigo: Goodbye.

ACT III

i. Cassio talking with Desdemona

Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Cassio, Desdemona, Othello and
Lago

Desdemona, Cassio and Emilia enter

Desdemona: Ill do everything I can for you,

Cassio.
EMILIA: Please do, madam. My husbands
so upset about Cassios problem youd think
it was his own.
DESDEMONA: Your husbands such a good
man. Dont worry, Cassio. Im sure you and
my husband will be as friendly as you were
before.
CASSIO My dear beautiful lady, whatever
happens to Michael Cassio, hell always be
your humble servant.
DESDEMONA I know that. Thank you.
Youre my husbands friend and youve
known him a long time. I assure you the
only reason hes keeping away from you
now is political
Cassio: Yes, my lady. But those political
considerations might last such a long time
that the general will forget my love and
service, especially if Im gone and someone
else has my job.
Desdemona: Thatll never happen. I promise
you I wont stop talking to my husband about
 that. Ill bring up your name at every
moment. Thatll cheer him up.

OTHELLO AND LAGO ENTER

Emilia: Madam, here comes your husband.

Cassio: Madam, I think I better leave now.
Desdemona: why not stay and hear me talk
to him?
Cassio: No madam, Im very uncomfortable,
and that wont help my case
Desdemona: well, do whatever you think
best.

CASSIO EXITS

Lago: Hey! I dont like that.

Othello: What did you say?
Lago: Nothing, sir. Or if I did- I dont know
what.
Othello: Wasnt that Cassio leaving my
wife?
Lago: Cassio? No, sir, I dont think so. He
wouldnt sneak away looking so guilty when
he saw you coming.
Othello: I really think it was him.

END OF SCENE
ii. Desdemona confronts Othello
Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Desdemona and Othello
Desdemona: I was talking to a petitioner just
now, someone who is suffering from your
anger.
Othello: Who do you mean?
Desdemona: Your lieutenant, Cassio. If I've
got any influence over you at all, please
patch things up with him. In my judgment,
this man truly loves you, and his mistake
was innocent rather than wicked. Please call
him and tell him to come back here.
Othello: Was that him just now?
Desdemona: yes, and he feels so bad and
humble that I feel bad along with him. My
love, call him back in here.
Othello: Some other time, my sweet
Desdemona.
Desdemona: Please just name a time, but
dont wait more than three days. Hes very
sorry with what he did so just tell me when
he would come.
Othello: Please, no more. He can come
whenever he wants.
Desdemona: dont act like you're doing me a
favor!
Othello: I wont deny you anything! In the
meantime, please just leave me alone for a
while.

Desdemona: come here, Emilia. Do

whatever you feel like doing, my husband,
and Ill obey you.
DESDEMONA AND EMILIA EXIT

Lago: sir
Othello: What is it Lago?
Lago: When you were wooing Desdemona,
did Michael Cassio know about it?
Othello: Yes, he knew about it the whole
time. Why?
Lago: Just curious. No reason. I never
realized he knew her.
Othello: Do you see something wrong with
that? Isnt he an honest man?
Lago: As far as I know, sir.
Othello: What are you thinking?
Lago: Thinking, sir?
Othello: Thinking sir? Quit repeating what I
am saying and tell me what is on your head.
I know you think something badly of Cassio.
Just a while ago you were like what? When
you saw Cassio with my wife. You're my
friend, tell me what are you thinking.
Lago: Of course I'm your friend, sir. As for
Cassio, its best for me to just swear that he
is honest.
Othello: Just tell me what your suspicions
are.
Lago: Dont make me do that, sir. I'm
obliged to obey all your orders, but what if
my thoughts are disgusting? I dont want
you to over think things, sir. I'm your friend.
Othello: You're not being a good friend here,
Lago. Tell me. I command you to tell me.
Lago: fine. But I'm not talking about proof
yet. Watch your wife. Watch how she is with
Cassio. Just watch. Dont be suspicious. I
dont want you to be taken advantage of just
because you are a trusting guy. Watch out! I
know the people of Venice pretty well.
Othello: Do you really think so?
Lago: She lied to her father once didnt she?
She could probably lie to you too.
Othello: I'm indebted to you forever.
Lago: I'm sure Desdemona would never
cheat on you, sir. I love you and I'm your
friend. I dont want you to get too depressed
about this, but just be cautious. I have to go
now, sir.
Othello: you are a good man, Lago. There
has never lived a more loyal friend.

LAGO EXITS
DESDEMONA AND EMILIA ENTER

Desdemona: Whats wrong, darling? Are you

sick? Here, let me wrap your head. ( pulls
out handkerchief)
Othello: No. Your handkerchiefs too little.
Leave my forehead alone.
(Handkerchief drops)
Desdemona: come, dinner is ready.
DESDEMONA AND OTHELLO EXIT.

EMILIA PICKS UP THE

HANDKERCHIEF.

Emilia: I'm glad I found this. My husband

always wanted me to get this for him. Its
the first gift the moor Othello gave to his
wife.

LAGO ENTERS
Lago: what are you doing here alone?
Emilia: Dont snap at me I've got something
for you.
Lago: Youve got something for me? Its a
common thing-
Emilia: What?
Lago: To have a stupid wife
Emilia: Oh is that so? And what would you
give me for Othellos handkerchief? The one
you asked me to steal a hundred times?
Lago: Good girl, come give it to me.
Emilia: what would you do with it?
Lago: whats it to you anyway? Just dont
admit to anyone that you know about it. I
need it. Now go away.

EMILIA EXITS

Ill leave this at Cassio's room and let him

find it. A meaningless thing like this means
absolute proof to a jealous man like Othello.
His mind is infected with my poisonous
suggestions. (Evil laughter)

OTHELLO ENTERS

Othello: I swear, Lago my friend, I think my

wife is unfaithful. Tell me the truth! I want
the truth an nothing but the truth. Damn! I
need proof. Tell me now if you are indeed
my friend.

LAGO: I dont like what youre asking me

to do. But since Ive gotten myself involved
this far, because Im so stupidly honest and
because I like you so much, Ill keep going.
I recently shared a bed with Cassio, and I
couldnt sleep because of a raging
toothache. Well, some people talk in their
sleep, and Cassio is one of them. I heard him
saying, Sweet Desdemona, lets be careful
and hide our love, in his sleep. And then he
grabbed my hand and said, Oh, my
darling! and kissed me hard like he was
trying to suck my lips off and put his leg
over mine and sighed and kissed me and
said, damn fate for giving you to the
moor!
 OTHELLO: OH! Thats monstrous! Ill rip
them both in half!

IAGO: It was just a dream, sir.

OTHELLO: NO! I want blood. My thoughts

of revenge are flowing through me like a
violent river. Kill them both! Especially that
traitor Cassio! Kill him for me!

LAGO: Its done because you said it. My

friend Cassio is dead. But please let her live.

OTHELLO: Damn her! Damn them both.

Oh! That wicked whore! Come. Im going to
think of some way to kill that beautiful
devil. YOURE MY LIEUTENANT NOW.

LAGO: and I'm your friend forever.

iii. Othello looks for the handkerchief

Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Desdemona and Othello, Emilia

DESDEMONA: Where could I have lost

that handkerchief, Emilia?

Emilia: I dont know madam.

OTHELLO ENTERS
DESDEMONA: I wont leave him alone
until he gives Cassio his job back. How are
you my dear Othello?

OTHELLO: I'm fine. I have a bad cold thats

bothering me. Can I borrow your
handkerchief?

DESDEMONA: I dont have it with me

now. I may have lost it.

OTHELLO: That was my mothers

handkerchief. You never even took good
care of it.

DESDEMONA: I wish I had never seen it!

OTHELLO: Why are you yelling at me?!

You lost my handkerchief.

DESDEMONA: We have more important

matters to discuss. Please hire Cassio again.
You know you'll never find a more capable
man. He has shared-

OTHELLO: DAMN IT! THE

HANDKERCHIEF!

OTHELLO EXITS
 EMILIA: Madam, I think he is jealous of
you and Cassio.

DESDEMONA: what could he possibly be

jealous of?

EMILIA: I dont know. But something tells

me the way hes been behaving lately.

DESDEMONA: I never gave him any

reason to be jealous!

END OF SCENE

iv. Bianca and Cassio

Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Bianca and Cassio

BIANCA ENTERS

BIANCA: Hello Cassio!

CASSIO: hello Bianca! Would you copy this
embroidery pattern for me please?
BIANCA: Oh Cassio, where did you get
this? This is a gift from another woman! A
new lover. Now I know why youve always
been so far from me.

CASSIO: Oh come now, woman. Dont

jump to silly conclusions. Im waiting here
for the general, and you have to go. I dont
 want him to see me with a woman. Its not
because I dont love you, its just nows not
the right time. Ill see you tonight, though.

BIANCA: Alright, have it your way. I have

to make do.

THEY EXIT
END OF SCENE

ACT IV

i. Othello fights Desdemona

Setting: House
Characters: Othello, Desdemona and Emilia,
Lago

OTHELLO AND LAGO ENTER

OTHELLO: Naked in bed together? But

without doing anything? I dont believe that
so, Lago.
LAGO: I dont know sir, but he did say-
OTHELLO: SAID WHAT?
LAGO: That he was in bed with her, on top
of her- however you want to say it.
OTHELLO: In bed with her?! On top of
her?! Damn it! My God! This is making me
insane! (falls into a trance)
LAGO: SIR! SIR!

CASSIO ENTERS
CASSIO: Whats the matter?
LAGO: Othellos having some kind of
epileptic fit. No, dont help. When he leaves,
its best that I talk to you, but not now. Go
away for a while. Ill follow you in a sec.

CASSIO EXITS
What happened, General? Did you hit your
head?
OTHELLO: Are you making fun of me?
LAGO: Of course not! You're my friend,
dear sir. And I want you to be a man. Lots of
men get married to cheating wives. Your
case is better than that. Kissing her and
thinking shes innocent when in fact shes a
whore. Id rather know the truth. Calm down,
now. Cassio was here a while ago. I told him
to come back in a bit, so hide here and
watch as I extract from him the whole story.
I'm your friend. Just watch, but dont get
carried away by rage, or Ill think you're not
a man.
OTHELLO: Im telling you, Im not done
with him yet.
LAGO: thats fine, but keep your cool. Go
hide now.

OTHELLO HIDES
CASSIO ENTERS
CASSIO: I dont think Ill ever get my job
back, my friend.
LAGO: Just keep asking Desdemona, and it
will be yours. If it was up to Bianca, youd
have your job back already.
CASSIO: HAHAHAHA THE POOR
THING. I really think she loves me.
LAGO: She says you're going to marry her.
Are you?
CASSIO: Me? MARRY HER? That whore?
Please give me a little credit because Im not
that stupid. HAHAHA

BIANCA ENTERS

BIANCA: Damn you! I was an idiot to

copy the pattern of this handkerchief!
Stupid. This is a love token from some other
slut. Give it back to her because Im not
doing anything with it!
OTHELLO( Standing out of earshot): My
God! Thats my handkerchief.

BIANCA EXITS
LAGO: Go after her, Cassio. Go, I think
shes upset.

CASSIO EXITS

OTHELLO( coming forward): How should I

murder him, Lago?
 LAGO: Did you see how he laughed about
sleeping with her? And did you see the
handkerchief?
OTHELLO: Was it mine?
LAGO: Yes, I swear it, sir.
OTHELLO: I wish I could keep killing him
for ten years! Let him and my wife rot in
hell tonight! My hearts turned to stone. Ill
kill her.
LAGO: its horrible of her. Cheating on you.
OTHELLO: and with my own officer! Get
some poison tonight, lieutenant! Ill kill her
while shes asleep.
LAGO: No. Strangle her in bed. My poor
poor friend. Let me kill Cassio for you. Ive
been loyal to you more than him.
OTHELLO: EXCELLENT. GOOD. LETS
KILL THEM.

ii. Meeting of Lago and Roderigo part 3

Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Lago and Roderigo

RODERIGO AND LAGO ENTER

Roderigo: I dont think you have been

treating me fairly.
LAGO: Listen to me first.
Roderigo: I've listened to you too much
already. I'm tired. Your words and actions
dont match up.
LAGO: thats not fair.
Roderigo: ITS TRUE. I've got no money
left. And nothings happening.
LAGO: somethings happening.
Roderigo: No. I'm going to tell Desdemona
what I truly feel. And if she rejects, Ill
apologize to her and stop pursuing her. Then
Ill challenge you to fight me.
LAGO: Thats it. You finally showed some
guts. If you're as courageous as you think
you are, wait a little while. If you arent
having sex with Desdemona by tomorrow
night, You can stab me in the back and kill
me.
Roderigo: whats your plan?
LAGO: Venice has made Cassio the
governor here on Cyprus. Othello will go to
Mauritania and take Desdemona with him,
unless he gets stuck for some reason. The
best way to do that is to get rid of Governor
Cassio.
Roderigo: And you want me to get rid of
him?!
LAGO: Exactly. If you want to help
yourself, just believe in me. When you see
him walking here, and Ill make sure he does,
shoot him.
 Roderigo: Ill hear no more talk about this,
but yes, I will.
iii. Othello plans to murder Desdemona
Setting: Room
Characters: Emilia, Othello, and Desdemona

OTHELLO: Ill be there shortly in bed with

you, my love. But send Emilia away. We
need to talk.

OTHELLO EXITS
DESDEMONA: Emilia, he asked me to
send you away.
EMILIA: Send me away?
DESDEMONA: Thats what he said. I have
to show him that I truly love him. I truly do.
So for now lets follow what he says.
Goodnight, Emilia.
EMILIA: Goodnight, madam.

EMILIA EXITS

iv. Cassio kills Roderigo:

Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Roderigo LAGO CASSIO

LAGO AND RODERIGO ENTER

RODERIGO: I dont like this plan.

LAGO: I got your back. Be bold and ready.
You'll become a man now.
CASSIO ENTERS

RODERIGO: Die! (Misses shot, Cassio sees

him)
CASSIO: Just a ricochet! Lets see what you
got now.
RODERIGO: Oh God, I'm dead.

RODERIGO GETS SHOT

FROM BEHIND LAGO SHOOT CASSIO
IN THE LEG AND EXITS

OTHELLO ENTERS
OTHELLO: Oh thats Cassio. My good
friend lago kept his promise.
CASSIO: Someone help! Get me a surgeon.
HELP!
OTHELLO: MY GOOD FRIEND LAGO.
You went as far as murder to help your
friend in his misfortune. Desdemona, you
whore. You are dead now and youre coming
to hell with me.

OTHELLO EXITS

LODOVICO AND GRAZIANO ENTER

LODOVICO: what have we here? Its cassio.

What happened?
CASSIO: Roderigo tried to kill me.
Someone shot me in the leg. I dont know
who.
Roderigo: Help me! Ill bleed to death! Im
dying!

LAGO ENTERS
LAGO: Whos shouting? My god what
happened here?
LODOVICO: We dont know. Someone
tried to kill Othellos ensign.
CASSIO: Is that you lago? My friend help
me. Roderigo tried to kill me. Help!
LAGO: You murderer! You tried to kill my
friend! Youll die for this.

LAGO SHOOTS RODERIGO

RODERIGO: Damn you lago, you dog!
LAGO: Trying to kill in the dark? Murderer!
You deserve to die.

RODERIGO DIES

LAGO: Signor Lodovico, right?

LODOVICO: Yes.
LAGO: I beg your pardon. Help Cassio
please. Hes wounded bad.
LODOVICO: AYE. Help him.

BIANCA ENTERS
BIANCA: Oh Cassio, my sweet Cassio,
dont die on me please! Signor, please make
sure he doesnt die. I am begging you.
GRAZIANO: Well take good care of him,
dont worry.

LODOVICO AND GRAZIANO CARRY

CASSIO, EXITS

EMILIA ENTERS

EMILIA: Oh my dear husband, what

happened?
LAGO: Cassio was attacked here in the dark
by Roderigo. Hes dying and Roderigo is
dead.
EMILIA: Oh how horrible! Cassio, good
Cassio.
LAGO: This is what happens when you visit
whores. Please Emilia, ask Cassio where he
was at dinner tonight- (TO BIANCA) Does
that make you nervous?
BIANCA: He ate at my house, but that
doesnt make me nervous
EMILIA: GO TO HELL YOU WHORE!
BIANCA: Im no whore. I'm just as moral as
you are.
EMILIA: As moral as me? DAMN YOU!
LAGO: Ladies, lets not fight about this
anymore. Cassio will be taken good care of,
I assure you both. GO tell Othello what
happened tonight, Emilia.

EMILIA AND BIANCA EXIT

 LAGO: This is the night that'll either break
me or make me/

END OF SCENE

v. OTHELLO MURDERS DESDEMONA

Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Othello Desdemona Emilia Lago
Montano Lodovico Graziano Cassio

DESDEMONA IS ASLEEP IN BED.

OTHELLO ENTERS WITH A CANDLE
AND A WEAPON

OTHELLO(looking at his sleeping wife.): I

have to do this. I have to.- If you're this
beautiful when you're dead, ill kill you, and
Ill love you afterwards.(kisses forehead)

DESDEMONA WAKES UP

DESDEMONA: Whos there? Othello?

OTHELLO: Yes, my love. Have you said
your prayers? You need to confess
something. Pray for forgiveness. I dont
want to kill you before youve readied your
soul.
DESDEMONA: You're talking about
killing? Then heaven have mercy on me.
OTHELLO: Amen to that, from the bottom
of my heart.
DESDEMONA: My only sin was loving you
too much
OTHELLO: thats why you should die. You
gave the handkerchief to Cassio. You
cheated on me! You wont change my mind.
You're going to die.
DESDEMONA: So thats why you have
been so distant lately! I never cheated on
you. Let alone with Cassio. I never gave him
any token of romantic love.
OTHELLO: I saw him holding the
handkerchief! Dont play stupid with me!
CHEATER! DIE!
DESDEMONA: HE found it somewhere
else then, I never gave it to him. Hell tell the
truth, get him.
OTHELLO: He already did! He had sex
with you.
DESDEMONA: He wouldnt say that.
OTHELLO: No. He wouldnt say anymore.
Honest Lagos arranged to that.
DESDEMONA: Im scared. Is he dead?
OTHELLO: If he had as many lives as he
had being the sneaky cat that he is, Ill kill
him all in revenge.
DESDEMONA: Oh he has been betrayed!
And I have been ruined, Let me live tonight,
and kill me tomorrow.
OTHELLO: Its too late. (smothers
Desdemona)
EMILIA ENTERS (offstage)

EMILIA: Madam Desdemona! General! I

need to talk to you.
OTHELLO: Just a minute! This is Othello.
(TO DESDEMONA) Emilia's probably
come to tell me that Cassio s been killed.
You're not moving anymore? No you're not.
Guess you're finally dead. No. If she comes
in, shell try to speak with my wife. My
wife? What wife? I dont have a wife. Shes
dead. Oh no! Shes dead. Oh what have I
done?

EMILIA: General? Where are you I need to

talk to you now.

OTHELLO OPENS CURTAINS

EMILIA ENTERS

EMILIA: Oh, General, terrible murders have

been committed over there!
OTHELLO: What? Just now? Who was
murdered?
EMILIA: Yes, sir. Cassio has just killed a
young Venetian named Roderigo. I thunk
you may know him.
OTHELLO: Roderigos been killed? What
about Cassio? Is he dead?
EMILIA: No, Cassio was not killed.
OTHELLO: He isnt? Then the wrong man
is dead, and sweet revenge has gone wrong.
DESDEMONA: Oh, I've been murdered
unfairly!
EMILIA: Sir, Who is that crying? That was
madam Desdemonas voice.

EMILIA OPENS THE BEDCURTAINS

DESDEMONA: Im dying an innocent

woman.
EMILIA: Oh who did this? Who? Madam
who?
DESDEMONA: I DID THIS. I killed
myself. Give my love to my kind husband.
(DIES)

OTHELLO: How could she have been

murdered?
EMILIA: I need to report this, general. I
need to go.
OTHELLO: She was lying even as she was
going down to hell. I did kill her.
EMILIA: Then she was more an angel. AND
YOURE AN EVEN BLACKER DEVIL!
OTHELLO: she cheated on me, and she was
a whore
EMILIA: Are you insane? You have lost
your mind to accuse her of cheating. She
was very true to you! And she loved you.
OTHELLO: Cassio had sex with her. Ask
your husband if you doubt me. I have good
reason to do this. You're husband knew
about everything
EMILIA: My husband?!
OTHELLO: yes your husband! He told me
she had been with Cassio. If she had been
faithful to me, I never would have given her
up, but she isnt. Damn her to hell.
EMILIA: My husband.
OTHELLO: Yes. He was the one who first
told me about her. He is an honest man who
detests evil actions. He is a true friend.
EMILIA: Oh my dear husband!
OTHELLO: Why do you keep repeating
that? Do you even understand what I am
saying? YES. Your husband, the good,
honest Lago.
EMILIA: If he said that, I hope his
malicious soul rots in hell forever. He is
lying through his teeth! She was too
attached to her marriage to even do
something like that!

OTHELLO PULLS OUT GUN

OTHELLO: HA!
EMILIA: Go ahead, kill me. Do your worst.
You stupid fool! Im not afraid of you. Ill tell
everyone what you did, even if it costs me
my life. HELP! Everyone help! The moor
has killed my mistress! MURDER! HELP!

MONTANO, GRAZIANO AND LAGO

ENTER

MONTANO: Whats going on? General?

EMILIA: Why are you here, Lago? Youve
done a good job, the other men can attribute
your murders to you!
GRAZIANO: Whats the matter?
EMILIA(TO LAGO): If you're man enough,
tell him. He says you told him his wife
cheated on him. SPEAK! Because Im too
emotional to say anything. I just cant.
LAGO: I told him what I thought. I didnt
tell him anything that didnt make sense to
him.
EMILIA: But you told him she cheated on
him?
LAGO: I DID.
EMILIA: Then you lie. You told a sick,
wicked lie. I swear you told him Desdemona
slept with Cassio. Did you?
LAGO: Yes, with Cassio. BE QUIET.
EMILIA: No I wont! Here lies my mistress.
Murdered in her bed-
ALL: Oh my God!
EMILIA: And your lies caused this murder.
OTHELLO: Dont stand there gaping,
everyone, its true.
GRAZIANO: Its unbelievable, sir.
LAGO: Are you crazy?! Im ordering you ,
go home.
EMILIA: Gentlemen, allow me to speak. Ill
never go home again LAGO! Youve killed
the sweetest, most innocent woman who
ever lived!
OTHELLO: She was filthy! I killed her for
good reason. I know this is horrible.
GRAZIANO: Oh sweet Desdemona! Im
glad your father isnt alive to see all this.
Your marriage made him die of grief. If he
was alive, he would die terribly.
OTHELLO: Its sad, but Lago knows she had
sex with Cassio a thousand times. Cassio
confessed it, and she pledged her love to
him by giving that damned handkerchief to
him. That belonged to my mother.
EMILIA: OH GOD! Dear God in heaven!
LAGO: Oh do shut up, Emilia. Damn it.
EMILIA: Shut up? You want me to shut up?
For petes sake! The truth will come out.
LAGO: If youre smart, you'll go home.
(pulls gun)
GRAZIANO: Shame on you! Threatening a
woman?
EMILIA: Oh you stupid MOOR! I found
that handkerchief by accident and gave it to
my husband! Head begged me to steal it so
many times.
LAGO: You whore!
 EMILIA: You think she gave it to Cassio?
No, I found it and gave it to my husband.
LAGO: You filth! You're lying.
EMILIA: I swear to God Im not lying! (TO
OTHELLO) Oh, you fool. How did you ever
get such a good wife?
OTHELLO: I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS
LAGO! (RUNS AT LAGO)

LAGO STABS EMILIA

EMILIA DIES
GRAZIANO: He has killed his wife!

LAGO EXITS

MONTANO: He is a horrible criminal. Take

the moors weapons and guard the door.
Dont let him leave! Im going after Lago.
Hes a horrid criminal.

MONTANO AND GRACIANO EXIT

END OF SCENE

vi. Lodovicos speech

Setting: Cyprus
Characters: Lodovico, Montano, Graziano,
Cassio, with Lago, prisoner.

LODOVICO: Where is that poor rash man?

OTHELLO: You mean the man who used to
be Othello? The great General? He is gone,
long gone. What you see is plainly a man. A
nobody. A nobody who has killed his own
wife.
LODOVICO: Bring the snake forward.

LAGO IS BROUGHT FORWARD

OTHELLO: Do you have cloven hooves like

the devil? Lets see.
OTHELLO STABS AT LAGO

LODOVICO: Take that away from him

LAGO: I am bleeding, but you failed, you
failed again. You failed to kill me.
OTHELLO: You think Id kill you? No.
Death is happiness. Call me anything youd
like. I did nothing out of hate, only out of
honor.
LODOVICO: Did you plan Cassio's death
with him?
OTHELLO: Yes.
CASSIO: Sir, I never gave you any reason to
hate me. Why?
OTHELLO: I believe you, Cassio. Please
forgive me. Will you ask this half- devil to
say why he tricked me and damned my soul?
LAGO: Dont ask me anything. You know
what happened. I understand I dont have to
say anything. SIR.
LODOVICO: What? Not even to pray?
GRAZIANO: Torture will make you talk. It
makes most talk.
OTHELLO: Do your best.
LODOVICO: Sir, youll understand
everything that has happened. I dont think
you know now. Here is a letter we found in
Roderigos pocket. And heres another. This
one talks about how Roderigo should kill
Cassio
OTHELLO: OH YOU TRAITOR! You
villain! PLEASE DIE!
LODOVICO: Heres another letter
addressed to Lago and full of complaints. He
answered those complaints by killing him.
OTHELLO: Cassio, how did you get the
handkerchief?
CASSIO: I found it in my room, and LAGO
Confessed that he put it there for his own
purposes.
OTHELLO: Damn! Im such a fool.
CASSIO: Roderigo and Lago has been
playing with us all along. He admits to
everything. He wanted me out of this
position and he hates you for replacing him
with me. Roderigo despises you for
marrying Desdemona.
LODOVICO( TO OTHELLO): Youll have
to leave this room and come with us. Youre
stripped of your power and your command,
and Cassio will govern Cyprus. As for this
slave, Iago, if we can think of any torture
that will hurt him a lot but keep him alive a
long time, hell have it. Youll remain a
prisoner until we bring your crimes to the
Venetian government. Okay, take him
away.
OTHELLO: Wait. A word or two before you
go. Ive given the state of Venice a bit of
help in the past, and they know it. But
enough about that. When you record these
sad events in your letters, please describe me
exactly as I am. Dont tone things down or
exaggerate them out of hostility. If youre
being fair, youll have to describe me as
someone who loved too much, but who
wasnt wise about it. I was not easily made
jealous, but once I was tricked and
manipulated, I worked myself into a frenzy.
Describe me as a fool who threw away a
precious pearl with his own hands, like a
silly Indian who didnt know what it was
worth. As someone who was not emotional,
but who then cried a lot. Write all this down,
and then say also that in Aleppo I once saw a
Turk beating a Venetian, so I grabbed the
Turk by the throat and hit him like this.

OTHELLO STABS HIMSELF.

LODOVICO: Oh what a bloody end to all of
this!
GRAZIANO: Everything we heard is bad.
OTHELLO(TO DESDEMONA): I kissed
you before I killed you. Now, I die killing
myself but I kiss you again.

OTHELLO KISSES DESDEMONA AND

THEN DIES.
CASSIO: I was afraid this would happen,
because he was a brave and noble man.
LODOVICO(TO LAGO): You bloodthirsty
dog, you're crueler than the devil himself.
Look at these dead people on this bed. He
makes me sick. Get this guy out of my sight.
Graziano, take care of all the moors
property. Youve inherited everything. (TO
CASSIO) Governor, I leave everything to
you. Punish this evil man. Im going back to
Venice to tell them of everything sad that
happened here. CARRY IT OUT!
EXECUTE THIS GUY! Torture him, then
kill him. We all need to get some sleep.

THEY ALL EXIT.

END OF PLAY