Many of us read these plays a really long time ago and may not remember them very well. I know I had to refresh my memory. The professor may or may not have been a Christian now or 15 years ago. I hope he knows Othello if he’s teaching it. These quotes are from Act I, Scene I
The play opens talking about sex that is taking place offstage. Othello later strangles Desdemona in bed, because he believes false accusations she has been unfaithful. The play contains sex and violence. Does that mean the play is inappropriate for Christians? Maybe it isn’t appropriate to teach at this college. I have no idea, but it is what it is. Film versions will probably contain varying degrees of sex and violence. Is it possible to make a PG version? How they adapt the play is the point of teaching the films. imho
Othello is a Moor. He’s Black. Orson Welles played Othello in film and so did Laurence Olivier. They are both white and darken their skin to play the part. Olivier’s performance has been described as blackface. Laurence Fishburne, a Black man, plays Othello in the movie the OP’s daughter was assigned. If you are going to discuss Othello in the class, and want to watch a film versions, those seem to be the main ones you get to choose from. There is also a modern teen adaptation set in a high school. I can’t remember the name of it, but there’s a possibility as well. Of course, there are other versions I’m unfamiliar with and maybe more appropriate for a Christian College.
I’m probably watching this film this week, since I really don’t remember much about it. It’s possible I’ll skip parts. That’s not unusual for me in film or books these days.
I hope they are doing something lighter coming up… Midsummer Night’s Dream.