Act 4 Scene 3. The Willow Song

Cast Cassio

The bright lights of Broadway are calling once again!



So far you've cast Iago and Desdemona, and now it's time to make another star: cast an actor to play Cassio in your production of Othello!



Think about who else you have chosen so far, and make sure that your chosen actor fits with the rest of your production.

Remember, your chosen actor can't have played the role before.

Post your chosen actor to your blog, with reasons for your choice.

Othello and Iago

Watch the video and answer these questions. Type up your responses and post to your blog:

1. According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for?
2. According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character?
3. What increases Othello's status in Venice?
4. Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello?
5. What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?
6. Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?

Cast Desdemona

Give an out of work actress her big break! Or at least a break from her job as a waitress that pays the bills!

Imagine you are a director about to stage a production of Othello. Cast Desdemona. 

You need to post an image of your choice of actor and reasons for your choice to your blog. You CANNOT choose someone who has played her before, so check that your chosen actor has not already played the character.  

Desdemona and Emilia in Othello.

Watch the video, then answer the following questions. Post responses to your blog.

1. What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?
2. Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona? Use what you hear in the video, as well as your own ideas. Consider the relationship between Iago and Emilia, as well as the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia.

Thinking question:

“Desdemona is presented in the play as a sexual subject who hears and desires, and that desire is punished because the non-specular or non-phallic sexuality it displays is frightening and dangerous.”

Karen Newman: Femininity and the monstrous in Othello.

To what extent do you agree with this view? Discuss and write down your ideas - post to your blog. Be ready to feedback.

HINT: Non-specular = not reflective; different.  (Consider, not reflective of what?  Different to what?)