A flawed hero. An innocent woman. A masterful villain.

Verdi takes the best bits of one of Shakespeare’s most famous works to create a taut, vivid romantic tragedy.

From the almighty storm to Desdemona’s impossibly beautiful Willow Song, the emotional music compounds the tension and coming tragedy.

Verdi’s score demands three outstanding voices, while Shakespeare’s story takes you on a dramatic journey. Yonghoon Lee is a remarkable singer-actor, debuting in the role of Otello, against the incomparable Karah Son making her long-awaited debut as Desdemona. Marco Vratogna is world-renowned for his chilling Iago. Young conducting sensation Andrea Battistoni conducts.

Harry Kupfer’s timeless production explores all the action on a precarious, monumental staircase that dominates the stage. Yan Tax’s costumes would be at home on the most elegant runway.

Conductor Andrea Battistoni
Director Harry Kupfer
Revival Director Luke Joslin
Set Designer Hans Schavernoch
Costume Designer Yan Tax
Lighting Designer Toby Sewell

Otello Yonghoon Lee
Desdemona Karah Son 
Iago Marco Vratogna 
Cassio Virgilio Marino
Emilia Sian Sharp
Lodovico Richard Anderson
Roderigo Hubert Francis
Montano Andrew Moran
Herald Andrew Williams

Opera Australia Chorus 
Opera Australia Orchestra