It might be seen as racist, antifeminist, perhaps even militaristic, depending on one's ideology. For Shakespeare, there were likely no such scruples. He borrowed the plot from a 16th-century Italian poet, along with, possibly, a geographical history of Africa and a translation of the Roman historian Pliny. But out of those scholastic ingredients he fashioned one of the most entrancing, agonizing studies of jealousy in the whole of English literature. This program accompanies young drama students as they rehearse, perform, and discuss Act IV, Scene 3 - a foreboding segment near the end of the play.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on March 03, 2011. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Shakespeare's Globe, London: Introduction to Shakespeare (1:00) -- "Othello": Commentary and Summary (2:49) -- "Othello": Rehearsal, Act IV, Scene 3 (1:16) -- "Othello": Performance, Act IV, Scene 3 (5:06) -- Discussion of "Othello" (3:47) -- Credits: "Othello": Young Actors in Training (1:00).