Beautiful Soldier
- Synopsis
- Audio podcast. Second episode of a radio serialisation of Shakespeare’s Othello. Episode scripts were adapted and produced by Catherine Eaton and rendered into modern English verse by Mfoniso Udofia. The production was directed by Victor Malana Moag. Part of the ‘Play On Shakespeare’ project to create more contemporary and accessible versions of the texts for performance.
2. The Duke leaves it to Othello to decide whether or not to take Desdemona with him to Cypress. Othello puts her in Iagos’ care for the journey, with Iago’s wife Emilia at her service. Alone with Iago, Roderigo laments his heartbreak, threatening to kill himself in despair. Iago convinces him that Desdemona will eventually get tired of Othello and will be open to Roderigo’s affections if he can be patient. Iago inwardly conspires to weave Cassio into his web in his plot to destroy Othello. Later, in Cypress, word arrives that the Turkish fleet has been vanquished thanks to Othello’s leadership and to stormy seas. Cassio lands ashore and welcomes Iago, Emilia and Desdemona as they arrive. Othello soon lands with his soldiers and lovingly greets his wife. Once alone again, Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Cassio and that he should pick a fight with him in order to undermine Cassio’s reputation, persuading him that without Cassio in the way, Roderigo’s chances with Desdemona will be greatly improved. Inwardly, Iago vows to use Roderigo to get rid of Cassio entirely or drive Othello mad with jealousy. That evening, Othello leaves Cassio to guard the watch, urging him to keep a quiet guard as he retires to his chambers with Desdemona. Cassio asks Iago to keep him company. After the couple departs, Iago persuades Cassio to have a drink with him. Cassio protests but Iago convinces him that the rest of the soldiers crave a celebration. Cassio gives in and gets so drunk he can barely stand. As he stumbles away, Iago privately casts aspersions on Cassio’s weak constitution to a ranking officer, setting the stage for his downfall. - Series
- Play on Podcasts: Othello
- Language
- English
- Medium
- Audio
- Transmission details
- 18 Sep 2023
- Duration
- 42 mins
Credits
- Director
- Victor Malana Maog
- Producer
- Catherine Eaton
- Music
- Lindsay Jones
- Sound Design
- Lindsay Jones
- Adaptor for Radio
- Mfoniso Udofia
- Executive Producer
- Michael Goodfriend
- Cast
Additional Details
- Production type
- Television and Radio Drama
- Plays
- Othello
- Subjects
- Drama; Shakespeare
- Keywords
- racial identity; radio drama; racism; racial stereotyping
Notes
- Notes
- Udofia’s adaptation, first performed in 2021, updates the language in various ways. Among the changes in her version see the the substitution of ‘moor’ throughout, replacing it with such words as ‘black,' ‘monkey’ and others.
Online Availability
- Online URL
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/othello-beautiful-soldier/id1561429994?i=1000628253473
- Online format
- Streamed/Download
Production Company
- Name
Next Chapter Podcasts
- Web
- https://ncpodcasts.com/playonpodcast External site opens in new window
Sponsor
- Name
Play On Shakespeare
- info@playonshakespeare.org
- Web
- https://playonshakespeare.org/ External site opens in new window
- Phone
- (541) 846 8466
- Address
- PO Box 955
Ashland, OR
97520
USA
Distributor
- Name
Apple Podcasts
How to cite this record
Shakespeare, "Beautiful Soldier". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av80280 (Accessed 11 Dec 2024)