Lighting Designer

“Having escaped the storm of the elements, Otello will succumb to the storms of his own self.”
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What an opening to an opera! Amid an apocalyptic storm, a naval battle rages off the coast of Venice. Without warning, Giuseppe Verdi transports us into the action with thunder, lightning, and cannon shots; we can almost feel the storm and spray on our skin. The situation seems hopeless for the Venetian fleet—then their general, Otello, appears unscathed and victorious at the harbor. He has defeated not only his enemies, but also the forces of nature. But how will this war hero cope in civilian life? Traumatic memories haunt him; an all-encompassing mistrust has taken hold of him; he feels isolated from society; no one can get through to him. In this atmosphere, his relationship with his wife crumbles before our eyes and ears. Desdemona was once the only person with whom Otello could be completely himself; now he eyes her suspiciously and threatens her. Verdi's music depicts Othello's journey from celebrated soldier to murderer of his wife, whose love he simultaneously longs for.

Lighting Designer

Susanne Reinhardt

Events

Past events

Sep 24 - Oct 10, 2025

Otello · Staatstheater Hannover

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