Stage Diretions for Productions of Othello

.
             Desdemona then approaches Othello and says that she has been talking with a 'suitor,' 'A man that languishes in your displeasure.' Firstly, what strikes the audience most is the use of the word suitor. While it is often used to refer to an individual who pleads, it is generally used to refer to a man seeking the attention and approval of a woman. Thus the audience will be surprised at the usage of this word which makes it seem almost as if Iago himself has written Desdemona's lines. Upon being questioned by Othello, Desdemona reveals that she is talking about Cassio, whom she believes should be forgiven as he truly loves Othello, 'For if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance, and not in cunning, I have no judgement in an honest face.' Desdemona's innocence is highlighted here which makes the audience marvel at her virtue while at the same time feeling slightly apprehensive and sorry for her since it almost seems unfair that her untainted nature should be subject to the baseless evil of Iago. This is further accentuated when she says that, '[H]e left part of his grief with me/ To suffer with him.' This line also highlights the purity of and sympathy that Desdemona harbours which further inclines the audience to like and sympathize with her.
             Othello responds to Desdemona's requests by saying, 'Not now, sweet Desdemon, some other time.' This then makes the audience wonder about the nature of the relationship between the two and as well as the extent to which Desdemona has power in the relationship. What follows is an exchange between Desdemona and Othello which serves to demonstrate just that. Desdemona asks Othello when he will call Cassio to which Othello responds by providing inconclusive answers, thus making the audience feel tense as he seems to purposefully avoid answering Desdemona directly, thus creating tension. Desdemona then launches into a long speech highlighting why it is important that Othello forgives Cassio, which again makes the audience feel towards her sympathetic as she is doing almost exactly what Iago's plan demands of her while without her knowing it.