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Plays › The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice › First Musician

First Musician

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice · 5 speeches across 1 scenes

A professional musician hired by Cassio to serenade Othello and Desdemona in Cyprus.

Who they are

Musician 1 appears only in Act 3, Scene 1, where Cassio employs him and his fellow musicians to play outside the castle to win favor with Othello. The musician provides comic relief through his witty, punning exchanges with Clown, who dismisses them with a bribe. His brief role underscores Cassio's desperation and the play's shift from military action to domestic scheming.

Playing them

Play the scene with a light, earthy humor—deadpan delivery of puns works well. Use a relaxed, colloquial vocal quality to contrast with the play’s mounting tension. Physically, stay loose and amused, reacting to Clown's rudeness with mild exasperation. Traditionally costumed as a hired musician, often with a lute or wind instrument.

Appearance

Likely costumed as a hired musician of Shakespeare's day—a simple doublet, cap, and perhaps carrying a pipe or lute. No standout visual cues beyond functional attire.

Where they appear

Play First Musician

Take the part and Yorick reads every other role aloud, following you line by line as you speak.

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