Watch Othello in the Seraglio

Othello in the Seraglio is an opera spectacle that combines Ottoman music, Western classical music, and jazz elements that are merged to form a unique and contemporary melodic mix. This production features an unusual and fascinating intercultural reimagining of William Shakespeare's Othello, presenting Othello's story within the setting of the 16th-century Mediterranean slave trade.

The film opens with a prologue depicting the vibrant world of the Ottoman Empire, with the ensemble of characters in the story. The musicians who are on stage and the characters who occupy the stalls are dressed in traditional Ottoman garb. This creates a unique atmosphere that encapsulates traditional Turkish style, delivering a visual feast and evoking a sense of Ottoman grandeur. The music starts off with traditional Turkish flavor and shows the Islamic influence in Ottoman music.

The movie summons the original Arabic Leila and Majnun, a nearly 1,000-year-old Arabian love story that inspired Shakespeare's Othello. The story revolves around the slave trade and takes place during the reign of Sultan Suleiman I. It tells the story between Zulfiqar the Venetian Slave, the star-crossed lover, and Ayesha, the Sultan's mistress. The story is made more poignant by being set in a harem rather than the usual Venetian military camp and providing insight into the lives of concubines and slaves.

The theme of the story is centered around the love between Zulfiqar and Ayesha, with the background of jealousy, religious difference, power, and betrayal. Zulfiqar, played by Max Sklar, is a Venetian slave who falls in love with Ayesha, the favorite concubine of the Sultan. Ayesha, played by Kristina Bachrach, is also in love with Zulfiqar, and they become secret lovers.

However, Iago, the villain of the story, played by Yaniv d'Or, is jealous of Zulfiqar's and Ayesha's relationship and plots to destroy their love. He uses Rodrigo, the drunkard, to fuel the fire of Zulfiqar's jealousness towards Ayesha, which ultimately causes the chaos of epic Shakespearean proportions.

The music and the story combine seamlessly, displaying a vivid array of emotions delivered by the exceptional performances of the cast. The voices of the performers, combined with the unique combination of traditional Ottoman music and Western classical music, are bound to leave audiences in awe.

The musical language in the movie is complex, created by composer Mehmet Ali Sanl?kol, who brings forth the rich musical tradition of the Ottoman Empire. The music creates a texture of both convincing authenticity and unforced eclecticism.

The musical themes are woven brilliantly into the story, depicting the complexity of the narrative. The theme of Zulfiqar's love for Ayesha, for instance, is conveyed through both the voices of the performers as well as the soft and intricate strains of the ud, the qanun, and the ney, traditional Turkish instruments. The music creates a beautiful ambiance that transports the viewer to a different time and place.

The choreography of the dancers, as well as the stagecraft, is impressive. The use of lighting in the production is particularly noteworthy. It creates an ambiance that reflects the emotion and the intensity of the scenes while distilling the essence of the Ottoman world.

In summary, Othello in the Seraglio is an excellent intercultural adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play. The film combines the traditions of Ottoman music with Western classical and jazz elements, creating a unique and compelling sound. The performances are outstanding, with the theme of love and jealousy expressed through inventive musical themes. Overall, the movie is an excellent showcase of both cultural and musical diversity, and it is a story that is not to be missed.

Othello in the Seraglio is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.