<P> Iago hates Othello for promoting a younger man named Cassio above him, whom Iago considers less capable a soldier than himself, and tells Roderigo that he plans to use Othello for his own advantage . Iago convinces Roderigo to wake Brabantio and tell him about his daughter's elopement . Meanwhile, Iago sneaks away to find Othello and warns him that Brabantio is coming for him . </P> <P> Brabantio, provoked by Roderigo, is enraged and will not rest until he has beheaded Othello, but he finds Othello's residence full of the Duke of Venice's guards, who prevent violence . News has arrived in Venice that the Turks are going to attack Cyprus; therefore Othello is summoned to advise the senators . Brabantio has no option but to accompany Othello to the Duke's residence, where he accuses Othello of seducing Desdemona by witchcraft . </P> <P> Othello defends himself before the Duke of Venice, Brabantio's kinsmen Lodovico and Gratiano, and various senators . Othello explains that Desdemona became enamoured of him for the sad and compelling stories he told of his life before Venice, not because of any witchcraft . The senate is satisfied, once Desdemona confirms that she loves Othello, but Brabantio leaves saying that Desdemona will betray Othello: "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: / She has deceived her father, and may thee," (Act I, Sc 3). Iago, still in the room, takes note of Brabantio's remark . By order of the Duke, Othello leaves Venice to command the Venetian armies against invading Turks on the island of Cyprus, accompanied by his new wife, his new lieutenant Cassio, his ensign Iago, and Iago's wife, Emilia, as Desdemona's attendant . </P> <P> The party arrives in Cyprus to find that a storm has destroyed the Turkish fleet . Othello orders a general celebration and leaves to consummate his marriage with Desdemona . In his absence, Iago gets Cassio drunk, and then persuades Roderigo to draw Cassio into a fight . Montano tries to calm an angry and drunk Cassio down, but end up fighting one another . Montano is injured in the fight . Othello reenters and questions the men as to what happened . Othello blames Cassio for the disturbance and strips him of his rank . Cassio is distraught . Iago persuades Cassio to importune Desdemona to convince her husband to reinstate Cassio . </P>

Where do the opening scenes take place in othello