Hello all! Here is the Word doc version of the script to Let's Make a Scene: Othello!:
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See you Wed Sep 28 at 7 PM EST!
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CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY
The following is a list of the characters that appear in this cutting of Othello.
IAGO: An ensign and a villain
BRABANTIO: A senator; father to Desdemona DUKE: Duke of Venice, a great admirer of Othello MESSENGER
FIRST SENATOR: A senator in the council chamber DESDEMONA: Wife to Othello, daughter to Brabantio CASSIO: An honorable lieutenant
MONTANO: Governor of Cyprus
LODOVICO: A noble Venetian, brother to Brabantio
Emilia: Wife to Iago
Bianca:
A courtesan SOLDIERS
SINGERS
NARRATOR
SCENE 1. (ACT I, SCENE I)
Venice. A street.
NARRATOR
In the streets of Venice, Roderigo and Iago inform the Senator, Brabantio, of his daughter Desdemona’s secret marriage to Othello. Enraged, Brabantio sets out in search of his daughter.
IAGO
Call up her father,
Rouse him, poison his delight.
RODERIGO
What ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho!
IAGO
Awake! Brabantio! Look to your daughter!BRABANTIO
What is the matter there?
IAGO
’Zounds, sir! Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. You’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse, you’ll have your nephews neigh to you! Your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs.
BRABANTIO
Give me a taper. Call up my people. Light, I say, light!
SCENE 2. (ACT I, SCENE III)
Venice. A council-chamber.
Narrator
The Duke, preparing for a Turkish invasion of
Cyprus, welcomes the arrival of Othello and
Brabantio. Brabantio announces his dismay at
Desdemona’s marriage to Othello. Iago begins to
outline his plot to use Cassio in order to make
Othello jealous.
Duke
Now, what’s the business?
Messenger
A Turkish fleet, of thirty sail:
Their purposes toward Cyprus.
First Senator
Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor.
Duke
Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you
Against the general enemy Ottoman.)
Brabantio, why, what’s the matter?
Brabantio
My daughter! O, my daughter!
First Senator
Dead?
Brabantio
Ay, to me;
She is abused, stol’n from me, and corrupted.
Here is the man, this Moor.
Duke
What, in your own part, can you say to this?
Othello
My very noble and approved good masters,
Rude am I in my speech,
And little bless’d with the soft phrase of peace;
And little of this great world can I speak,
More than pertains to feats of broil and battle;
I won his daughter.
Brabantio
To fall in love with what she fear’d to look on!
It is a judgment maim’d and most imperfect.
First Senator
But, Othello, speak:
Did you subdue and poison this young maid’s
affections?
Othello
Duke, I do beseech you,
Send for the lady to the Sagittary,
And let her speak of me before her father.
Fetch Desdemona hither.
Brabantio
Come hither, gentle mistress.
Do you perceive in all this noble company
Where most you owe obedience?
Desdemona
My noble father,
I do perceive here a divided duty:
I am hitherto your daughter: but here’s my husband;
That I did love the Moor to live with him
My downright violence and storm of fortunes
May trumpet to the world. My heart’s subdued
Even to the very quality of my Lord.
Let me go with him.
Brabantio
Come hither, Moor:
I here do give thee that with all my heart
I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel,
I am glad at soul I have no other child.
Duke
To mourn a mischief that is past and gone
Is the next way to draw new mischief on.
The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes
for Cyprus.
First Senator
You must away to-night.
Othello
With all my heart.
Duke
Good night to every one
And, noble signior,
If virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.
Brabantio
Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:
Othello
My life upon her faith!
Honest Iago,
My Desdemona must I leave to thee:
Come, Desdemona; I have but an hour
Of love, of worldly matters and direction,
To spend with thee.
Iago
I hate the Moor;
And it is thought abroad, that ’twixt my sheets
He has done my office: I know not if ’t be true;
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety.
Cassio’s a proper man: let me see now;
After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear
That he is too familiar with his wife:
I have’t; it is engender’d: hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.
SCENE 3. (ACT II, SCENE III)
Cyprus. A hall in the castle.
NARRATOR
We are now in Cyprus. Iago persuades Cassio to drink too much, which is part of Iago’s devious plan of action.
OTHELLO
Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night: Good night.
CASSIO
Welcome, Iago. We must to the watch.
IAGO
Come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine; to the health of black Othello
Cassio
Not tonight, good Iago. I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking
Iago
What, man! ’Tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it.
Cassio
I’ll do’t; but it dislikes me.
Iago
If I can fasten but one cup upon him, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress’ dog.
Cassio
To the health of our general!
Montano
I am for it, lieutenant; and I’ll do you justice.
Iago
O sweet England!
ALL (singing)
And let me the cannikin clink, clink And let me the cannikin clink.
A soldier’s a man,
O man’s life’s but a span,
Why, then let a soldier drink Why, then let a soldier drink!
Iago
Some wine, ho!
CASSIO [pours more wine for himself)
Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. Do not think, gentlemen. I am drunk: this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and this is my left:
I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough.
IAGO
How now, Roderigo!
I pray you, after the lieutenant; go.
RODERIGO
Help! Help!
CASSIO
’Zounds, you rogue! You rascal!
A knave teach me my duty! [strikes RODERIGO]
Montano
Nay, good lieutenant; I pray you, sir, hold your hand.
Cassio
Let me go, sir, or I’ll knock you o’er the mazard.
Montano
Come, come, you’re drunk.
Cassio
Drunk!
IAGO
Away, I say, go out; and cry a mutiny!
OTHELLO
What is the matter here?
Are we turn’d Turks? Honest Iago, Speak, who began this?
Iago
I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offense to Michael Cassio; But men are men; the best sometimes forget.
OTHELLO
I know, Iago,
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee; But never more be officer of mine.
CASSIO
Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
IAGO
As I am an honest man, I’ll tell you what you shall do. Our general’s wife is now the general: confess yourself freely to her; importune her help to put you in your place again.
CASSIO
You advise me well. In the morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me: Good night, honest Iago.
IAGO
Whiles this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,
And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear,
That she repeals him for her body’s lust; So will I turn her virtue into pitch; And out of her own goodness make the net That shall enmesh them all.
SCENE 4. (ACT III, SCENE III)
Cyprus. The garden of the castle.
NARRATOR
Desdemona pleads for Cassio’s reinstatement while Iago causes Othello to doubt Desdemona and her friendship with Cassio. Keep an eye out for a very important handkerchief.
CASSIO
My general will forget my love and service.
DESDEMONA
If I do vow a friendship, I’ll perform it
To the last article: my lord shall never rest;
I’ll watch him tame, and talk him out of patience.
Emilia
Madam, here comes my lord.
Cassio
Madame I’ll take my leave.
IAGO
Ha! I like not that.
Othello
Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
Iago
Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, That he would steal away so guilty-like, Seeing you coming.
DESDEMONA
How now, my lord!
I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
Othello
Who is’t you mean?
DESDEMONA
Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, If I have any grace or power to move you,
I prithee, call him back.
OTHELLO
No, not tonight
DESDEMONA
Why, then, to-morrow night; or Tuesday morn.
OTHELLO
Prithee, no more: let him come when he will; I will deny thee nothing.
DESDEMONA
Whate’er you be, I am obedient.
OTHELLO
Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, But I do love thee! And when I love thee not, Chaos is come again.
Iago
For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.
Othello
I think so too.
Iago
Men should be what they seem.
Othello
Certain, men should be what they seem.
Iago
Why, then, I think Cassio’s an honest man.
Othello
Nay, yet there’s more in this: Give thy worst of thoughts The worst of words.
IAGO
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mockThe meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger;
But, O, what damned minutes tells he o’er
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!
Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio;
She did deceive her father, marrying you
And when she seem’d to shake and fear your looks,
She loved them most.
My lord, I take my leave.
OTHELLO
Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.
IAGO
My lord, I would I might entreat your honor Note if your lady strain Cassio’s entertainment With any strong or vehement importunity; Much will be seen in that. In the mean time Let me be thought too busy in my fears.
I once more take my leave.
OTHELLO
This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, If I do prove her haggard,
Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, I’ld whistle her off, and let her down the wind,
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have; or, for I am declined Into the vale of years, yet that’s not much;
She’s gone; I am abused; and my relief Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours, And not their appetites!
Desdemona comes:
If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I’ll not believe’t.
DESDEMONA
How now, my dear Othello! Are you not well?
Othello
I have a pain upon my forehead here.
DESDEMONA
I am very sorry that you are not well.
[DESDEMONA takes out her handkerchief and swabs OTHELLO’S forehead. DESDEMONA drops the handkerchief by accident as they walk off stage]
EMILIA [spots handkerchief and picks it up]
I
am glad I have found this napkin:
This was her first remembrance from the Moor: My wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo’d me to steal it; I nothing but to please his fantasy.
IAGO
How now! What do you here alone?
Emilia
Do not you chide; I have a thing for you.
Why, the handkerchief the Moor first gave to Desdemona;
That which so often you did bid me steal.
Iago
A good wench; give it me I have use for it. Go, leave me. I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin, And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ: this may do something. The Moor already changes with my poison.
OTHELLO.
Ha! Ha! False to me?
Iago
How now, my lord!
OTHELLO
What sense had I of her stol’n hours of lust? Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell content!
Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, Be sure of it; I’ll have some proof: her name,
that was as fresh
As Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face.
Give me a living reason she’s disloyal.
IAGO
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this,
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand?
Othello
I gave her such a one. ‘Twas my first gift.
Iago
I know not that: but such a handkerchief— I am sure it was your wife’s—did I to-day See Cassio wipe his beard with.
Othello
Now do I see ’tis true. Look here, Iago;
All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven: ’Tis gone.
Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell! Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne To tyrannous hate! O, blood, blood, blood!
IAGO
Patience, I say; your mind perhaps may change.
OTHELLO
Never, Iago. Like to the Pontic sea,
My bloody thoughts, with violent pace,
Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love, Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. I will withdraw,
To furnish me with some swift means of death For the fair devil.
Now art thou my lieutenant.
IAGO
I am your own for ever.
SCENE 5 (ACT III, SCENE IV)
Before the castle.
NARRATOR
Othello asks Desdemona for the handkerchief that she has lost, but she tries to talk to him about Cassio. (pauses) Not a good idea.
DESDEMONA
Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia?
Emilia
I know not, madam.
[to Othello] How is’t with you, my lord?
Othello
Well, my good lady. (aside)
O, hardness to dissemble!
How do you, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA
Well, my good lord.
I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.
Othello
Lend me thy handkerchief.
DESDEMONA [takes out a plain handkerchief]
Here, my lord.
Othello
That which I gave you.
DESDEMONA
I have it not about me.
Othello
That is a fault. That handkerchief
Did an Egyptian to my mother give; she, dying, gave it me;
Fetch’t, let me see’t.
DESDEMONA
Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now.
Othello
Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind misgives.
EMILIA
Is not this man jealous?
DESDEMONA
I ne’er saw this before.
Something hath puddled his clear spirit Alas the day! I never gave him cause.
Emilia
Jealous souls will not be answer’d so; They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they are jealous: ’tis a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself.
DESDEMONA
Heaven keep that monster from Othello’s mind!
Emilia
Lady, amen.
BIANCA
Save you, friend Cassio!
Cassio
Sweet Bianca,
[ CASSIO gives DESDEMONA’S handkerchief to BIANCA.]
Take me this work out.
BIANCA
Why, whose is it?
Cassio
I know not, sweet: I found it in my chamber. I like the work well: I’d have it copied:
Take it, and do’t; I’ll see you soon.
BIANCA
’Tis very good; I must be circumstanced.
SCENE 6 (ACT IV, SCENE III)
Cyprus. Another room in the castle.
NARRATOR
While Desdemona is preparing for bed, she talks to Emilia about unfaithful wives.
OTHELLO
O, Desdemona.
DESDEMONA
My lord?
Othello
Get you to bed on th’instant; I will be return’d forthwith.
DESDEMONA
I will, my lord.
EMILIA
How goes it now?
DESDEMONA
O, these men, these men!
Dost thou in conscience think,—tell me, Emilia,— That there be women do abuse their husbands
In such gross kind?
EMILIA
There be some such, no question. Let husbands know
Their wives have sense like them: they see, and smell,
And have their palates both for sweet and sour, As husbands have. What is it that they do When they change us for others? Is it sport?
I think it is: and doth affection breed it? I think it doth: is’t frailty that thus errs? It is so too: and have not we affections,
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well: else let them know, The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.
DESDEMONA
Good night, good night: God me such usage send, Not to pick bad from bad,
but by bad mend!
SINGERS
The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree Sing all a green willow.
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee Sing
willow willow willow.
The fresh streams ran by her and murmured her moans,
Sing all a green willow.
Her salt tears fell by her and softened the stones. Sing willow willow willow.
Sing all a green willow must be my garland.
SCENE 7 (ACT V, SCENE II)
Cyprus. Outside of a bedchamber in the castle.
NARRATOR
The scene takes place outside Desdemona’s bedroom. The hard truth is revealed.
OTHELLO
She must die, else she’ll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.
[OTHELLO re-enters. He has just smothered
DESDEMONA]
EMILIA
O, my good lord, foul murders done!
O, who hath done This deed?OTHELLO
She’s, like a liar, gone to burning hell: ’Twas I that kill’d her.
Emilia
O, the more angel she, And you the blacker devil!
Othello
She turn’d to folly, and she was a whore.
Emilia
O, she was heavenly true!
Othello
Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else.
Emilia
That she was false to wedlock? My husband?
Othello
Ay, ’twas he that told me first: An honest man he is.
Emilia
My husband!
Othello
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago
Emilia
If he say so, may his pernicious soul
Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’heart: Help! Help, ho! Help!
The Moor hath kill’d my mistress! Murder! Murder!
MONTANO
What is the matter? How now, general!
Emilia
O, are you come, Iago? You have done well, That men must lay their murders on your neck. My mistress here lies murder’d in her bed,
[to Iago]
And your reports have set the murder on.
Othello
Nay, stare not, masters: it is true, indeed.
Montano
O monstrous act!
Othello
O, she was foul!
’Tis pitiful; but yet Iago knows
That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
A thousand times committed; Cassio confess’d it: And she did gratify his amorous works
With that recognizance and pledge of love Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand: It was a handkerchief, an antique token My father gave my mother.
Emilia
O heaven! O heavenly powers!
Iago
Come, hold your peace.
EMILIA
I will not.
O thou dull Moor! That handkerchief thou speak’st of I found by fortune, and did give my husband;
For often, with a solemn earnestness—
More than, indeed, belong’d to such a trifle— He begg’d of me to steal it.
Iago
Filth, thou liest!
Emilia
By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen.
O murderous coxcomb! What should such a fool Do with so good a wife!
Othello
Are there no stones in heaven
But what serve for the thunder? Precious villain!
[ IAGO stabs EMILIA ]
EMILIA
Ay, ay: O, lay me by my mistress’ side.
Othello
Who can control his fate? Where should Othello go? O cursed, cursed slave!
O Desdemona! Desdemona! Dead!
O! O! O!
LODOVICO
Where is that viper? Bring the villain forth.
Othello
If that thou be’st a devil, I cannot kill thee.
[OTHELLO wounds IAGO.]
[Cassio takes Othello’s sword]
IAGO
I bleed, sir; but not kill’d.
From this time forth I never will speak word.
Othello
How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief That was my wife’s?
Cassio
I found it in my chamber:
And he himself confess’d but even now
That there he dropp’d it for a special purpose.
OTHELLO
O, Fool! Fool! Fool!
LODOVICO [to OTHELLO]
You must forsake this room, and go with us: Your power and your command is taken off, And Cassio rules in Cyprus.
Othello
Soft you; a word or two before you go. I pray you, in your letters,
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well.
[OTHELLO pulls out a dagger he had hidden on his person and stabs himself].
Cassio
He was great of heart. (to IAGO)
O Spartan dog,
Myself will straight aboard, and to the state This heavy act with heavy heart relate.
[All hold hands and take a bow!]