Otello Darf Nicht Platzen.

Alternative title: Lend Me a Tenor
Synopsis: A video recording, using a single camera, of a German adaptation of Ken Ludwig’s farce Lend me a Tenor directed by Daniel Karasek. A world famous tenor, Tito, prepares to play the role of Otello in Verdi’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s work, a role that requires the white actor to black up and wear a fright wig. Through a series of circumstances, Tito is believed to be dead, and is quickly replaced by Max, an assistant with little stage training. The stage manager contends that if they use the wig and blackened face the audience will think Max is Tito Merelli. Tito isn’t actually dead and awakens just in time to go on stage.
Language: German (Switzerland)
Country: Switzerland
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Recording date: 31 Dec 1992

General: The German title literally translates as ‘Othello May Not Burst’. No details of cast have been found (12/2007). The play has been translated into sixteen languages and produced in over twenty-five countries around the world.
Awards: Lend me a Tenor premiered in London’s West End where it was nominated for the Olivier Award as Comedy of the Year. On Broadway it was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Play, and won two Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.

SHAKESPEARE