When was Othello written by William Shakespeare?
William Shakespeare wrote Othello around the 2nd of May 1603, with a terminus ad quem of 1604 and a terminus a quo of 1601. Scholars date the play between 1603 and 1604 during the reign of James I.
Common questions about Othello
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who are the main characters in the play Othello by William Shakespeare?
The main characters in Othello are the Moorish military commander Othello, his ensign Iago, his wife Desdemona, and Emilia. Other key figures include Cassio, Roderigo, Brabantio, and the Duke of Venice.
What is the source material for the plot of Othello by William Shakespeare?
Shakespeare's primary source for the plot of Othello is the novella Gli Hecatommithi by Cinthio. The story involves a Moorish captain and his ensign who murder the captain's wife, which Shakespeare adapted and reworked substantially.
When was the first professional performance of Othello by a black actor?
The first known professional performance of Othello by a black actor was by James Hewlett at the African Grove Theatre in New York in 1822. This preceded the more famous performances by Ira Aldridge who played the role across Europe for forty years.
How many early editions of Othello exist and what are their differences?
Othello survives in one quarto edition from 1622 and in the First Folio from 1623. The First Folio contains about 160 lines not found in the quarto, while the quarto has fuller stage directions and more profanities.
Why is Othello considered one of Shakespeare's greatest plays?
Othello is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest plays because it is widely classified among his major tragedies alongside Macbeth, King Lear, and Hamlet. The play is renowned for its complex characters, themes of jealousy and race, and its demanding roles for actors.