OTHELLO
If you are worried about making an adaptation of the  Othello- Don't! As a group you will decide and pick out a scene you really want to do: it can be because you feel it is a crucial scene to the play or it coule be because you just really enjoyed it. Make sure that it's 15-20 minutes of performance time.
Task One
To stay organized, meet as a group either in person or in a chatroom. Choose the scene(s) that you are interested in, and explain why this scene and give an idea of where you see yourself going with this. What potential does this scene have for a cinematic experience?
Have one person e-mail me the scene(s) you have chosen as a group (Act, Scene, lines), and an explanation of what you are going to do with the scene and the reasoning behind it. Click the links on this page for ideas and e-mail me if you have any questions.
Here is a copy of Othello on the internet for your convenience. There are other resources at this site if you want to check it out.
Film Genres
More on Film Genres
As the directors and screenwriters of this adaptation, you have the power to make BIG (but not unwarranted) changes. Shakespeare does not give us too many hampering stage directions, so take advantage of his folly and run with it.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Where are you setting your adaptation, and when (what time period) is it taking place? How true to Shakespeare's language are you staying? Why? Does changing the language have an effect on the meaning of the play itself? What changes are you planning to make? Why? What are you not going to change? Why? Does these changes add to or take away from the meaning of the play? (Click on Masterpiece and O, Burge to get a few adaptations of Othello). Consider how you want to portray each character. Who is the focus? The titled character? Desdemona? Iago? anyone else? What is this story about? What themes are prevalent in this play? What are the characters like? Is your  story a modern/ updated retelling of the story? Who do you have in mind to play the roles? Are you going to incorporate music/background noise?

Keep in mind that you have a wealth of technology at your fingertips- imaginary- but limitless! Use your imagination and get as creative as you like. I realize that Othello is a tragedy, but I want you to feel free to change it around. Use the words of the play, and your ability to smartly adapt the text. Click on the Film Genres to get more information on different genres in film as well as see examples. This site also has good information: Click Me for More Film Info.
Click for picture for Task Two.
Click to return to Intro.
My e-mail: [email protected]
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1