Othello has been performed hundreds of times and at one point, it was performed here in New York City at the Metropolitan Opera House. This performance recently ended its time (Sept. ‘15- May ‘16). Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to personally experience it. Grateful for the Internet, I have the opportunity to read reviews and recently stumbled across a picture from the performance, which represents Othello, and Desdemona is in an aggravated state. This picture has connected me to the emotions represented in the scene photographed as well as what we can interpret as the personality of Othello. Throughout his tone of voice in the play, he is very aggressive and regiment in attempt to make his points clear about his love for Desdemona and the wanted acceptance of their newly discovered marriage. It is important for him to gain respect, as he clarifies his marriage to Brabantio and the Duke, he is very assertive in his tone of voice for those he needs to respect:

Rude am I in my speech,

And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace;

For since these arms of mine had seven years’ pith,

Till now some nine moons wasted, they have used

Their dearest action in the tented field

And little of this great world can I speak

More than pertains to feats of broil and battle.

Act I, Scene iii, Lines 96-102

I feel as if the reasoning for this strong expression on his face can relate to how he desperately expresses his emotion he has for Desdemona to her father. His word choices notifying that he may sound harsh in his expression because of how powerful his emotions are towards Brabantio’s daughter. This can be the reason for his disturbing face and body language in the picture. When reading his lines throughout the play it is helpful to have a visual to understand the type of person he is, as well as how Othello carries himself in situations that carry potential anger, disappointment, and passionate emotions. His expressed conversations between Brabantio and the Duke in Act I, Scene iii has brought an important understanding to the viewer and/or reader in regards to the personality Othello carries. Between the picture from the theatrical performance of Othello, and the quotation of him speaking of his relations to Desdemona, there is a helpful connection of the emotional, regiment personality that Othello has.

“Metropolitan Opera: Otello at Metropolitan Opera House.” New York City Theater. Metropolitan Opera House, Sept. 2015. Web. 09 May 2016.