Otelo, o mouro de Veneza

Othello's identity and outsider status seem both specific and universal. Did anyone else find the racial themes surprisingly modern and thought-provoking?

Iago's motives remain ambiguous, which makes his character even more unsettling. I'm curious what others think drives his actions and whether they see any sympathy or understanding for him.

The play builds suspense without rushing, allowing moments of introspection. Was this deliberate, or do you think it just naturally flows from Shakespeare's style?