Othello - The Musical - Ulan, Gabor, Gustav, Alberto

Song 1: Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us

Relation to play: The chorus of the song, "All I want to say is that, they don't really care about us", represents somebody's feeling of resentment towards people around them who do not care about them. This could relate to Iago's hate and plot for revenge which follows after Cassio's promotion over Iago himself in the army. However neither does he have much care for other characters in the play, such as his henchman, Roderigo, who he sends to fight Cassio twice in the play without any concern for him. Cassio too, the man promoted over him. Iago doesn't care about Othello who really did nothing wrong yet was manipulated and hurt in the search for revenge, even his wife Emilia who he murdered so his evil deeds were not uncovered.

Acted out in class: Iago stands behind with a hateful expression while Cassio celebrates his promotion.

Song 2: Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

Relation to play: "You know the rules, and so do I", "We know the game and we're gonna play it". These quotes relate to Othello's and Desdemona's secret relationship and marriage. Othello is a moor that is only admired for his high rank in the military but being a man of colour, marriage with a white girl is prohibited. However they take a gamble and stay in a relationship, which links to the lyrics.

Acted out in class: Othello proposes to Desdemona on one knee, Desdemona is shocked.

Song 3: Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know

Relation to play: Senator Barbantio is the father of Desdemona who is not fond of Othello either. After finding out that his daughter married Othello, he accuses him of using witchcraft to seduce Desdemona, but she testifies that she loves him by choice. Barbantio disowns his daughter, which links to the song's chorus "now you're just somebody that I used to know". Barbantio in a way feels betrayed that his daughter would marry a man he highly disapproves of and wants to leave with him, "but you didn't have to cut me off".

Acted out in class: Desdemona defiantly looks at Barbantio as he storms off.

Song 4: Simple Plan - Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me)

Relation to play: The chorus of the song relates a lot to Othello's feeling and state in the final scene when he realises that Desdemona was a faithful wife and he was tricked into killing probably the only person that will love him in this country. "How could this happen to me? I made my mistakes" This links to Othello questioning what he has done "Got nowhere to run, the night goes on as I'm fading away" He knows that he committed murder and now feels helpless. The 'night' part fits in because it is set at night. "I'm sick of this life" Othello's thoughts of suicide.

Acted out in class: The end of the play, Othello looks down on his dead wife regretting what he has done and stabs himself.