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ACT I

Scene 1. Iago tells Roderigo how Cassio has been promoted over him to the position of lieutenant to

the Moor Othello, a general in the service of the Venetian state. Iago is furious but resolves to

continue serving Othello for his own ends. Having learnt that his master has eloped with Desdemona,

Iago informs her father, Brabantio, that "an old black ram/Is tupping your white ewe."

Scene 2. Iago tells Othello of Brabantio's fury. Cassio comes from the Duke of Venice with a

summons for the Moor: there is trouble in Cyprus, a Venetian colony. Despite Othello's conciliatory

tone, Brabantio insists that the Duke be told of the elopement.

Scene 3. The Duke and senators are discussing a report that a Turkish fleet is on its way to Cyprus,

when Othello and Brabantio arrive. Othello defends himself eloquently against charges of bewitching

Desdemona, and she affirms the love between them. Brabantio reluctantly accepts the situation.

Othello is appointed governor of Cyprus. Desdemona is to accompany her husband, and Iago will

escort her to the island. Roderigo threatens suicide for love of Desdemona, but Iago assures him that

she will tire of Othello and that Roderigo will then be able to seduce her. Once alone, Iago speaks of a

rumor that his wife Emilia has betrayed him with Othello.