Decades before Shakespeare’s world-famous play Othello, a Renaissance writer and dramatist from Ferrara wrote his novella about Desdemona. That original Italian story inspired Shakespeare’s masterpiece.

While Shakespeare’s drama delves into themes of race and jealousy between men, the original story centres on Desdemona and on a man driven by lust and hatred for her. He plots to destroy her and uses Othello to execute his plan.

Join Canberra writer Michael Curtotti for an intriguing exploration of a story that has endured the centuries. Michael will share readings and insights from both versions of this tale, as well as from his new English translation and commentary on the Italian novella.

Michael has also translated Matteo Bandello’s Romeo and Juliet, another Italian story that inspired a Shakespeare play. He is currently working on other translations of Italian novellas that contributed to Shakespeare plays as part of a series titled Shakespeare Begins.

FREE EVENT

Hosted by the Dante Alighieri Society of the ACT.