Published on May 28, 2014

Rating:

Genre: NCPA

Dates: July 17-20, 2014

Venue: Opera House of NCPA

Prices: 100, 280, 450, 550, 600, 680, 880

Features: As one of commemoration performances of the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, the NCPA's production of Verdi's opera Otello will be stage in Opera House of NCPA on July 17th-20th.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Otello is a marvelous masterpiece composed by opera Maestro Verdi. The libretto is adapted by the famous 19th century poet Arrigo Boito based on Othello, one of Shakespeare's four greatest tragedies. The successful premiere on February 5th, 1887 in La Scala raised a sensation around the city. Opera Otello is regarded as one of the perfect presentation of Shakespeare's drama in the form of opera. The unveiled description of human's heart in the opera is a great challenge. In the 19th century Romanticism period, the adoration for black romantic heroes came comes to a climax, the discussion was no longer about the gap between human’s interior world as it was in the Renaissance period, but more about human's essence, believing that human is evil in nature.

2013 marks the 200th Anniversary of Verdi's birth and NCPA produced the masterpiece Otello, a most mature work selected from Masetro Verdi's full list, so as to commemorate the Opera King's outstanding contributions to the opera world. This production embodies Verdi's composing experiences accumulated in the past decades, transforming Shakespeare's poetic meaning and his roles into genius music. This time NCPA invites a famous Chinese conductor Mr. Lu Jia, the Musical Director in Verona Opera House in Italy, together with a powerful creative team led by internationally recognized director Giancarlo del Monaco. NCPA's production of Otello boasts a glister cast. The leading role Otello will be starred by American tenor Frank Porretta, who is deemed as the best choice for the tragic hero Otello with his resonant voice and robust shape. The best Chinese Otello－ tenor Wei Song, and soprano Zhang Liping will also join in the production.

SYNOPSIS
Iago, a Venetian soldier and ensign, passed over for promotion by Otello, a Moorish nobleman who has returned with a triumph from a battle, has determined to destroy Otello's happiness. He irritates Cassio, whom Otello promoted ahead of Iago, to be drunk while on duty, thereby prompting Otello to dismiss the dishonored Cassio from his service and make Iago his lieutenant. Then Iago goads Otello into believing that his wife Desdemona is Cassio's lover. Otello soon becomes obsessively jealous and willing to believe anything he is told about his innocent wife. Iago's final 'proof' of Desdemona's infidelity revolves around the loss of a special handkerchief Otello has given her during their courtship. Iago tricks his wife Emilia into stealing the handkerchief, and then convinces Otello that Desdemona has given it to Cassio as a love token. When Desdemona cannot produce the handkerchief, Otello is certain she has been unfaithful and swears an oath of vengeance on his wife and Cassio. Otello smothers her with a pillow. A horrified Emilia enters, and Othello justifies himself, citing the handkerchief as the proof. Recognizing the handkerchief as the one she has stolen for her husband, she is stunned and reveals Iago's guilt. Otello then draws a concealed weapon, stabs himself, and kisses Desdemona as he dies.

Tickets for NCPA's Production of Verdi's Opera Otello are Available now!