Choose one of the following topics, and explore it. Then, in a thoughtful comment, tell us what you learned. NOTE: You may NOT repeat information mentioned in a previous comment.
1. Venice
What was Venice like in the sixteenth century? What was its economic status? Can you find pictures? What was the Venetians' relationship with the Turks? Etc.
2. Cyprus
Where is it? What was its importance in the 16th century? How far is it from Venice? What were the politics of the countries nearest it then? Now? Etc.
3. Moors
Who are they? Where did they come from? What were they doing in Europe in the 16th century? Are there religious and cultural practices or art associated with them?
4. Turks
What was the Elizabethan attitude toward foreigners in general and non-Christians--such as Turks--in particular? ETc.
5. Recent Othello Productions
What can you find out about Othello productions in recent years? There have been both notable stage and film productions with famous actors in 1991, 1982, 1985, etc.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn the 16th century, Venice declined in its capabilities, and overall political atmosphere, however Venice still maintained its aesthetic value. All of Italy's neighboring powers attempted to take Venetian land. Venice was filled with lots of art, music, and literature during the 16th century as well.
ReplyDeleteHowever, economically, Venice fared pretty well. It became one of the biggest trading powers globally, which helped its economy grow and gain wealth. Venetians essentially controlled what happened trading-wise on the Mediterranean.
PICTURE! http://www.travel-tidbits.com/tidbits/images/italy/I_Venice_Piazza_San_Marco.jpg
The Venetian relationship with the Turks was tumultuous. Earlier, Turkish fleets attacked and ambushed Italian cities. Venetians feared they would be next to be pummeled with Turkish soldiers. In the 16th century, Venice constantly feared attacks.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCyprus
ReplyDeleteCyprus is an island in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: south from Turkey, east from Greece, and west from Lebanon. Cyprus is important in the 16th century because it controlled a major channel for ships to pass through and trade. The Ottoman take it over in 1571, but before it was ruled by the Venetians, which created quite a bit of conflict between them. Venice is about 1300 miles away from Venice. Around Cyprus in the 16th Century, the Ottomans and the Venetians were the two major groups that fought over Cyprus because of the geopolitical advantages, most the other countries left Cyprus alone. Currently, the political situation around and near Cyprus is significantly different with Turkey exersizing control over the northern third of the island while the bottom two-thirds is controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.
Over the past few years, many directors have put on productions of Othello. In the 21st century, the most notable productions have taken place in Europe. In December of 2007, in London, tickets sold for as high as 2000 euros apiece, even though only the actor who played Othello received praise. Lenny Henry was the latest big name to play Othello, in tour starting in 2009 with the Yorkshire Playhouse. Many directors have re-interpreted Othello into opera, ballet, works of art and film, proving that the story is open to interpretation.
ReplyDeleteThe Elizabethans considered the Muslims and Turks to be outsiders and inferior. The had a very patriotic attitude and considered themselves superior to those around them. Elizabethans had a tendency to distrust foreigners, and even within the Christian community, anti-Catholic feelings arose when the Pope Gregory XIII said it was not a sin to kill Queen Elizabeth. Non-Christians were a minority in England, and Muslim ideals would have been alienated and looked upon with skepticism. There was also an issue with the clashing history between the Muslim religions and western culture. The Muslims were driven out of Spain as part of the Reconquista. There was still conflict between the West and the East which was exemplified in the relationship between Christians and Muslims. The Christians were protective of their faith and didn't want it to be influence by Muslim teachings.
ReplyDeleteIn 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre Barry & Frann Weissley produced Othello the play. Christopher Plummer, who played Iago, won an award in 82 for being the most outstanding actor in a play. He was the only actor to ever receive a Tony Award nomination for a performance in a play.
ReplyDeleteHere's a picture of the Playbill: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5526987283_32a8b6cc1b.jpg
Moors
ReplyDeleteThe Moors were a Muslim people from northern Africa. They were of mostly Berber and Arab descent, but some were from farther west in Africa or even parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The term “Moor” was not a technical race or ethnicity. It was more a name created by European traders to describe many Berber and Arab people. In 711 the Moors conquered many parts of the Iberian Peninsula, but around 1492 they were expelled from there. For the next century, they settled in many countries around Spain. Their legacy included many architectural elements such as mosaics and arches in their buildings and mosques.
The first production of Othello took place in 1604. While it remained popular throughout the 17th century, it lost popularity in the 18th century only to regain it in the 19th century. Perhaps the most famous American production of Othello was Margaret Webster's 1943 production, which had 296 performances. Interestingly, in one of the productions by the Royal National Theatre in 1965, the actor playing Othello felt the need to see Iago during the entire play. Iago would have to stand behind the curtains just so the actor playing Othello wouldn't have a nervous breakdown! It seems the part really can get to the actor. In a more recent production (1997) by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C.,the actor playing Othello was the only white person in an entirely black cast. It's really ironic because in the play Othello is black! Finally, a recent production of Othello in Houston took place just last year in August during the 2011 Houston Shakespeare Festival.
ReplyDelete3) MOORS
ReplyDeleteThe Moors are the group of Northern Africans that the Romans first saw when they came to Africa. They are called "Moors" because the word "mauros" means dark in Latin. The Moors were converted to Islam by Arabs. In the 16th century, a general in the Arab army, who was also a leader of the Moors, was sent to conquer Spain. They are known for their architectural style, "mudejar."
3. Moors
ReplyDeleteThe word Moor sometimes had a racist connotation, but a Moor usually referred to the Black African and Arab Muslims. They came from the northern central and western part of Algeria and northern Morocco in Africa. In the sixteenth century the Moors were living in Spain and hiding their identities. Their religious and cultural practices are reflected in a specific type of architecture pertaining to the Moors called Berber-Islamic architecture. Common characteristics in this type of architecture are, horseshoe arches, muqarnas, voussoirs, courtyards, and decorative tile work.
2. Cyprus
ReplyDeleteCyprus is the 3rd largest island in the mediterranean sea. It is about 50 miles south of Turkey. In the 2nd millennium (BCE), Cyprus was settled by the Mycenean Greeks. Alexander the Great conquered Cyprus from the Persians. It was important in the 16th century because it many ships passed. It had many ports allowing ships to enter. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire was at its peak, at this time they ruled over Cyprus. In 1878, the British controlled Cyprus. More recently, in 1960, they were granted independence. The majority of the population are Greek Orthodox's. In 2009, they adopted the 'Euro' as their national currency. Dams are the primary source of water for both domestic and agricultural use. Government positions are elected by universal suffrage, each government position serves for 5 year-terms.
3. Muslims
ReplyDeleteThe term Moors has referred to several historic and modern populations, used principally in reference to the Berber people but also came to be used for Muslims of Black African and Arab descent. From their base in northern Africa, they came to conquer, occupy and rule territories in the Iberian Peninsula for varying periods in different regions, ranging from two decades in the north-west to nearly eight hundred years in the south-east. At that time they were Muslims (so most probably followed the religious practices of Muslims), although earlier these people had followed religions other than Islam. Moorish art and architecture, a branch of Islamic art and architecture, developed in the westernmost lands of the Muslims, North Africa and Spain.
3. Turks
ReplyDeleteThe Turks were viewed at a distance in Elizabethan times and represented the alien, otherness, the exotic, and held an inferior position in the view of Elizabethan England. Shakespeare makes use of attitudes toward both Moors and Turks in shaping the story of Othello.
It was mostly the result of the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent (1520–66) in particular. The Empire’s frontiers were pushed to the gates of Vienna, precipitating a confrontation between Christian Europe and the Muslim Ottomans.
Shakespeare uses Othello's turn of phrase to bring to mind the Turks, those shadowy enemies always lurking in the background but never seen. Though invisible in the drama, the Turks play a significant part in Othello: references to the Turks and their Islamic/infidel culture illustrate the progress and illuminate the themes of the tragedy.
Turks/ Moors
DeleteMoors were black Northern Africans. They were Muslims who invaded Europe (Spain) in 711 a.d. They were kicked out by Spanish Catholics. This would explain why Iago would have another reason to not like Othello, other than the given reasons. Like the Moors, the Ottomans also fought against Europe and even came to the footsteps of Vienna before having to return due to bad weather conditions. This makes the Moors and the Turks similar in the eyes of the Venetians. That is why it is really ironic when Othello will fight against people like them, and will be surrounded by his own soldiers who are tightens against people like him. The fact that Othello shows no reaction allows the audience to judge his character that does as he is told.
I didn't mean to reply to your response, sorry.
Delete5. recent Othello productions
ReplyDeleteThere have been many reproductions and remakes of 'Othello'. For example, the movie "O" made in 2001 is a modern adaption set in an American high school. Julia Stiles plays Desdemona, she was the main character of "10 Things I Hate about You" aka the best movie ever. This movie was also a Shakespeare adaption of 'Taming the Shrew'. Andrew Keegan, also from "10 things" is in the movie. Also, Rain Phoenix, who's brother is River Phoenix is in the remake. I LOVE River Phoenix, like you don't understand...he's perfect. Anyway, other adaptions include the Indian film "Omkara". In Houston, the Alley theater will have a production of 'Othello' this month and a couple weeks ago at the Shakespeare Festival here was another showing of the play.
2. Cyprus
ReplyDeleteI learned in my research of Cyprus a lot of things about the island country. I learned its whereabouts on a map, population size, and climate of the area. One special thing I learned that relates to the plot of Othello is the religious demographic of Cyprus. Cyprus is 78% Greek Orthodox and 18% Sunni Islam. This religious spread could lead to some of the plot in Othello because the war that the Venetians are fighting against the Ottomans is pushed by war and if Cyprus was dominated by a form of christianity then this could lead to a strong attack by Othello and the Venetians to keep Ottomans from pushing into Christian territory.
VENICE
ReplyDeleteAmber covered this subject pretty well above. However, I would like to add on. Given that today is International Woman's Day, I want to talk about women's role in Venice at this time. The Counter Reformation was playing a big role in Italy during the 16th century and this affected the status of these women. Their education was basically how to run a nice, civilized, Christian household and raise their children in the same manner.
PIcture: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2677180885_323651a7a0_o.jpg
As for their relationship with the Turks, they were pretty much at war. There was a lot of tension over islands such as Cyprus and Crete that were important trading locations.
Moors:
ReplyDeleteThe Moors were another name for the Berber people and the Muslims of African and Arab descent. They were also noted in classical literature as the Mauri which was used by European traders in the 16th century to distinguish ethnic Berber and Arab groups. During the 16th century the Moors were living in Spain because they were defeated in Granada earlier. They were hiding their identity and went up in arms against Spain a few times. The king of Spain allowed them to deport to Spain if they revealed themselves and so many of the Moors did.
5. Recent productions of Othello
ReplyDeleteIn 1995, a film remake of Othello by Oliver Parker was released. It starred Lawrence Fishburne as Othello, Kenneth Branagh as Iago, and Irene Jacob as Desdemona. This production is notable because it was the first major movie adaptation of the play to cast a black actor as Othello. It wasn't widely released, so it didn't do very well in the box office, but the movie followed the play closely (though it did add and remove a couple lines and minor scenes) and most reviews of it were good.
Moors;
ReplyDeleteMoors are Muslim from North Africa, usally of Berber/ Arab descent some and even the Iberian Peninsula. 16th Century most of them lived in Spain (like Othello) and hid their identies. Moors where known for there architectral elements such as mosaics, arches, mosques, courtyards and voussoirs.
Venice was a dominant power in the early sixteenth century. They were not friendly with the turks, but were not always at war with them. They did have their inconsistent battles for the islands and land, but nothing world-shaking. Venice still had a great deal of income from trade with the Islamic states and the European nations, but lost power when the trade route around Africa was found. And then, the plague struck again, killing thousands of people. Yes, you can find lots of pictures of Venice on the internet.
ReplyDeleteCyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, and north of Egypt. The country has a subtropical climate. During the sixteenth century, Cyprus was a major trade port for ships. Cyprus is 1300 miles away from Venice. The Ottoman Empire controlled Cyprus during the sixteenth century. Almost all people in Cyprus are members of the Greek Orthodox Church and the country speaks two languages: Turkish and Greek.
ReplyDelete"The Moors" was a term that Europeans used to refer to a groups of Muslims of black African/ Arab descent. They invaded the Iberian Peninsula, especially Spain, from their home in northern Africa. During their occupation of Spain, Portugal, and other Iberian territories, they contributed much to the culture of the region. Words such as "alcazar" and "ojalá" in Spanish come directly from the Arab language. Additionally, Arab architecture containing balconies, painted tiles, and courtyards became very popular in Spain. The Moors faced a lot of racism, especially after they were expelled from Spain during the Inquisition, led by the Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand.
ReplyDeleteThe Moors are a Muslim people, however they didn't call themselves moors that was a disparaging term given to them by the Christian Spanish. They came from Northern part of Africa. In the 16th century they had been expelled out of Spain by the Christians forced to abandon a place they had inhabited for centuries. They left many traditions and a lot of culture with the Spaniards. There are strong religious and cultural practices and art associated with them. The Moors have a strong religious background and stance, very proud and powerful. Their religion conflicted directly with the Christianity practiced by the Spaniards. Their culture and art remain in Spain and some of the proudest Spanish buildings were constructed by the Moors. Additionally, the Spaniards used a lot of architecture and design that the Moors used. Their culture is still evident too, from the Spanish language to restaurants there is a lot of Muslim influence in Spain even many years later.
ReplyDelete