Supported by the WNO Partnership

Co-production with Canadian Opera Company

With opulent, traditional costumes, WNO's new production of Otello, is gripping from the start. Turning a costume drama into a real drama, you can see the smells and believe the characters.This tragic story is set into motion by the cruel actions of the villain of the piece, Iago. He is fuming that he has been passed over for promotion in favour of Cassio, so plans to ensnare the honourable but trusting Otello in a web of lies about his innocent wife Desdemona.

In creating the staging for Welsh National Opera, renowned opera director Paul Curran says, "I am not interested in making opera an intellectual pursuit or wanting to confuse an audience. Opera is visceral; music is made to be felt." Paul Edwards' beautiful costumes echo this approach, evoking the rich and sensuous splendour of the Venetian court.

Verdi's Otello is Italian opera at its finest with moving arias, powerful duets and spectacular choruses. Not a note is wasted, Verdi was determined his audiences would leave the theatre moved and exhilarated. Moments such as Desdemona's Willow Song and Ave Maria, will haunt you with their beauty long after the curtain has fallen.

The 100-strong Orchestra and Chorus of Welsh National Opera brings this gripping score to life. They are joined by an impressive cast of internationally-renowned opera singers including Dennis O'Neill as Otello (Terence Robertson 11, 21 & 25 November), Amanda Roocroft as Desdemona and David Kempster as Iago and WNO Associate Artists Robin Tritschler and David Soar.

Otello is sung in Italian with an electronic surtitles screen above the stage carrying a translation in English (and Welsh in Wales) of everything that is being sung - so its easy to follow all the action! Check when booking your tickets that a view of the surtitles is available from the seats you chose.

Running Time approximately 3 hours

Conductor Carlo Rizzi (19 Sep-11 Oct; 4 & 7 Nov) Conductor Michal Klauza (17 & 24 Oct; 11 Nov-5 Dec) Director Paul Curran Designer Paul Edwards Lighting Designer David Martin Jacques