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
Jeremy TardyOthello
Kayli CarterDesdemona
Barrett O’BrienIago
Tommy ShriderMichael Cassio
Francesca FernandezEmilia
Christopher GurrBrabantio
Christopher GurrLodovico
Lakisha MayBianca
Natalie HeggDuke of Venice
Natalie HeggClown
Natalie HeggGratiano
Paul JuhnRoderigo
Rachel CrowlMontano

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

Email
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)