From the dvd booklet; probably copyrighted:
Act One:
The black African Othello has returned to Venice victorious after recapturing Cyprus from the Turks on behalf of the Adriatic Republic. In reward he asks the Doge to grant him citizenship, which the latter immediately confers on him - despite his origins. But Othello's ambitions are even loftier: he has secretly married Desdemona, daughter of the politically influential Elmiro. However, Elmiro has other plans for Desdemona: he hates Othello because of his skin colour and intends to marry Desdemona to Rodrigo, who is passionately in love with her.
Desdemona seeks advice from her confidante, Emilia. She has been worried ever since a letter and a lock of her hair that she wanted to send to Othello fell into her father's hands. In order not to give herself away, Desdemona let her father believe that the letter was addressed to Rodrigo. If Othello sees the love token in the hands of another, he will believe her to be unfaithful. Desdemona's fears are all too well founded: the letter and lock of hair have fallen into Iago's possession. Iago also once hoped to win Desdemona's hand in marriage and now wants to take his revenge on her as well as Othello, whom he misleads into believing is his friend.
Elmiro hastily announces the wedding, but to Rodrigo's dismay Desdemona defies her father. When Othello joins them, he declares before the entire company assembled to celebrate his victory that Desdemona has sworn her love and fidelity to him. Desdemona confirms her oath, whereupon Elmiro curses his daughter. Her despair is increased by Rodrigo's and Othello's threats.
Act Two
Rodrigo cannot accept being rejected by Desdemona. When she reveals to him that Othello is her husband, he threatens to kill the Moor. Desdemona decides to find Othello in order to save him.
With the help of the love letter and the lock of hair it is easy for Iago to convince Othello completely of Desdemona's infidelity. He is resolved to kill her. Rodrigo demands that Othello renounce Desdemona; instead, Othello challenges him to a duel. Desdemona intervenes. In utter terror and at the same time stung by Othello's cool attitude, she falls into a faint. She regains consciousness in Emilia's arms. The news that Othello is still alive gives her only a brief respite: Elmiro's appearance culminates in a complete rupture between him and Desdemona.
Act Three
Desdemona has given up all hope of seeing Othello again, as he has been sent into exile. Emilia cannot console her. Desdemona's sorrow is echoed in the sad song of the gondolier. To give vent to her feelings, Desdemona sings the song of Isaura, who died of a broken heart under a weeping willow. She bids farewell to Emilia, says a prayer and goes to bed.
With Iago's connivance, Othello has stolen into her bedroom. While a storm rages outside, he vacillates between love, self-hatred, jealousy and vengefulness. When Desdemona wakes up, she protests her innocence - to no avail. Othello announces to her that Iago has murdered Rodrigo, her alleged lover, and kills her.
But Rodrigo is alive: he explains to Othello that Iago admitted his intrigues before falling by Rodrigo's hand. The latter is now prepared to relinquish Desdemona. The Doge also speaks of reconciliation, and Elmiro of a possible marriage, whereupon Othello kills himself.
