Dubai Opera to stage Shakespeare's Othello

The work was first performed in 1604, but still resonates today

'Othello' tells the story of a Muslim general who was appointed to lead Venice's army against a Turkish invasion. Photo courtesy Dubai Opera

In their first attempt to tackle the Bard in pure play form, the stage of Dubai Opera will host one of Shakespeare's tragedies early next year.

Othello will be performed over three consecutive days on January 31, February 1 and February 2. The play, in this iteration directed by Richard Twyman, tells the story of a Muslim general who was appointed to lead Venice's army against a Turkish invasion. He is manipulated by his friend Lago and his life quickly unravels against a backdrop of discrimination and fear.

The story and its character's motivations and fears remain very relevant in our current age.

Othello, which was first performed in 1604, still resonates today explains Creative Advisor Abdul-Rehman Malik: "Richard Twyman's Othello breaks new ground by demonstrating how disturbingly relevant and profound the play is to our times.

"It shows us the political, social, cultural and religious fault lines that we are contending with today and offers a searing critique of xenophobia and patriarchy, empire and privilege.”

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 25th September at midday with prices starting from Dh150. There is an Early Bird Offer of 20 per cent on the top three seat categories until October 9. 

For information and ticket purchase visit www.dubaiopera.com

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