GENOA – Teatro Gustavo Modena is buzzing with anticipation as acclaimed actress Lella Costa prepares to grace the stage with her portrayal of Otello in a performance titled “Otello di precise parole si vive.” The show runs from Wednesday, March 26, 2025, to Friday, March 28, 2025, and promises to offer a fresh take on Shakespeare's classic tragedy, tackling contemporary issues such as inequality, femicide, and patriarchy.
The performance, directed by Gabriele Vacis and collaboratively produced by Teatro Carcano in conjunction with Mismaonda, features Costa embodying over a dozen characters, engaging in dance, singing, and even improvising rap. This unique approach has attracted much attention, selling out numerous shows even before the curtain rises.
In this adaptation, Otello is reimagined as an immigrant and a skilled foreign worker, navigating challenges significantly inspired by societal and familial pressures surrounding his mixed marriage. Iago, the antagonist, is depicted as a cunning manipulator who spreads fake news to undermine Otello’s trust in Desdemona, paralleling the insidious tactics often seen in today’s media landscape.
Costa elaborates on her interpretation, stating, “It happens with great authors, especially with Shakespeare, that their texts and stories continue to speak to us, to amaze us; sometimes they even help us understand who we are and what is happening to us now.” She emphasizes the importance of keeping the narrative intact while updating aspects to resonate with a contemporary audience. “In the version of Lella Costa and Gabriele Vacis, Otello is an immigrant, a highly specialized foreign worker whose mixed marriage is poorly tolerated by his wife’s family and friends,” she explains, pointing to a more modern context for the timeless tale of jealousy and tragedy.
The show isn't merely an adaptation but a thoughtful reflection on socio-political themes. Vacis notes, “For years I thought that Otello was the tragedy of killing for love. Today we know that there is never love when there is violence and oppression. Women have taught us this.” This insight calls into question the patriarchal underpinnings of the original narrative and reshapes it to reflect current societal attitudes.
Audiences can expect performances at 8:30 PM on Wednesday and Friday, with Thursday’s show starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available through the theatre’s website, via email, or at their contact number.
Costa’s dynamic presentation incorporates unexpected elements, such as a rap rendition of Iago’s iconic phrase “metti il denaro nella borsa,” highlighting the rhythmic qualities of Shakespearean dialogue while connecting it to modern music. “Today, who would stay by a man like Otello, who takes five minutes to turn love into jealousy?” Costa quips, prompting reflections on contemporary relationship dynamics.
The playful yet serious tackling of such narratives points to Costa’s deft craftsmanship as both an actress and a storyteller, making this production not just a performance but also a lesson in empathy and self-reflection.
Indeed, what makes Costa’s rendition compelling is her acknowledgment of the story's historical context, weaving it with present realities to reveal fresh interpretations of well-known tales while engaging a new generation of theatre-goers.
As audiences prepare to dive into this complex emotional landscape, “Otello di precise parole si vive” stands as a testament to the power of theatre: to question, to challenge, and to inspire. It is a rare opportunity to experience a blend of classical literature and contemporary relevance, delivered by an artist who understands the pulse of today's societal challenges.
The performances promise to be enlightening, musical, and thought-provoking, inviting attendees to consider the darker, more intricate layers of human relationships and societal expectations during this poignant retelling of a classic tragedy.
For more information about the performances and ticket purchasing, interested parties should contact the theatre via telephone, email, or visit the official website where details are listed.
