Shakespeare Opera Theatre presents Shakespeare’s Othello with music from Verdi’s eponymous opera. Iago’s ambition, Cassio’s naivete, Desdemona’s carelessness and Othello’s jealousy set the course for one of Shakespeare’s most tragic plays. Combined with Verdi’s masterful musical setting, its status as a masterpiece is undeniable. Set in the island kingdom of Cyprus at the apex of the Republic of Venice, Othello is a powerful Venetian general who has just triumphed against the Ottoman Empire for control of Cyprus for the Republic. His new bride, Desdemona, is waiting in Cyprus, as are his faithful officers, but one of them has plans for revenge that threaten to destroy Othello’s happiness, and shatter his tenuous sanity.