With the exception of Hamlet Othello is Shakespeares most controversial play. It is also his most shocking. Dr Johnson famously described the ending as not to be endured and H.H. Furness after editing the Variorum edition of the play confessed to wishing that this tragedy had never been written. No play in performance has prompted more outbursts from onlookers there are many recorded instances of members of the audience actually trying to intervene to prevent Othello murdering Desdemona. It is a