Othello: Shakespeare Tragedy at Ancient Theatre of Kourion in Limassol

Enjoy an unforgettable evening under the open sky with Performing Arts for Cyprus Charities, which presents one of William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies—Othello.

On the stage of the ancient Kourion Amphitheater, against the backdrop of stunning Mediterranean landscapes, a story of love, jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive power of human passions will come to life. The play tells the story of Othello—a Moor and a general in the Venetian army—and his tragic downfall under the influence of treacherous intrigues.

The production will appeal to both theater enthusiasts and those just discovering Shakespeare’s works.

This year, all proceeds will go to support the Cyprus Alzheimer’s Association and the Margarita Liasidou Foundation.

Synopsis of the play:

• Act I
  Iago complains to Roderigo that Othello has appointed Cassio as his lieutenant instead of him. Seeking revenge, Iago informs Brabantio that his daughter Desdemona has secretly married Othello.

Meanwhile, Othello is summoned to an emergency Senate meeting due to the threat of a Turkish invasion of Cyprus. At the council, he defends his marriage to Desdemona, and she confirms his words. The Senate appoints Othello as commander in Cyprus and allows Desdemona to accompany her husband.

• Act II
  A violent storm destroys the Turkish fleet, and Othello and his companions arrive safely in Cyprus.

Continuing his plan for revenge, Iago gets Cassio drunk and provokes Roderigo into a fight with him. The governor of Cyprus, Montano, is wounded in the brawl. An enraged Othello strips Cassio of his rank. Iago pretends to be his friend and advises him to turn to Desdemona for help in reconciling with Othello.

• Act III
  Iago begins to instill in Othello the suspicion that Cassio and Desdemona are lovers.

Emilia finds a handkerchief lost by Desdemona and gives it to her husband, Iago. He plants the handkerchief on Cassio and convinces Othello that it is a gift from Desdemona to her lover. Blinded by jealousy, Othello orders Iago to kill Cassio.

• Act IV
  Iago pushes Othello’s jealousy to the limit. In front of the Venetian nobleman Lodovico, Othello strikes Desdemona.

Having lost his ability to reason, he accuses his wife of infidelity, despite her innocence. Meanwhile, Iago, together with Roderigo, plots an assassination attempt on Cassio. Desdemona shares her feelings with Emilia, not understanding what she is being accused of.

• Act V
  Cassio survives Rodrigo’s attack. To keep his secrets safe, Iago kills Rodrigo himself.

Othello takes Desdemona’s life, and then learns the terrible truth from Emilia. When Emilia exposes Iago’s crimes, he kills her as well. Lodovico orders Othello to be returned to Venice for trial; however, unable to bear the agonizing pangs of his conscience, Othello commits suicide.

Useful information for audience members:

• Parking will be available in the field near the Church of Saint Ermogenis (Agios Ermogenis), below the amphitheater.
• Shuttles will run for audience members from the parking lot to the theater and back. Before the performance begins, shuttles will run from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM.
• After the last shuttle departs, the amphitheater will only be accessible on foot.
• For greater comfort, we recommend bringing a seat cushion. Cushions will also be available for rent on site.
• Only water is permitted inside the amphitheater. Other beverages and food are not allowed.

Tickets: €22 — adults, €12 — children and teens under 18.
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Language of the performance: English.