Rockland — “Otello,” Giuseppe Verdi’s towering masterpiece based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, will make its first Live in HD appearance at the Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Saturday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m., with an encore broadcast Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.

Semyon Bychkov conducts an extraordinary cast led by South African tenor Johan Botha (Radamès in 2010’s “Aida”) singing the title role, one of the most difficult and rewarding in all of opera. Renée Fleming brings her critically acclaimed portrayal of Desdemona, one of her greatest roles, to Live in HD screens for the first time. German bass-baritone Falk Struckmann sings the role of Otello’s villainous ensign Iago, and Michael Fabiano (2009’s “The Audition”) makes his Live in HD debut as the captain Cassio.

Otello has married Desdemona against her father's wishes. A mercenary in the service of the Venetian Army, Otello has been sent to Cyprus to repel an invasion by the Turks. Iago, his ensign, feels slighted by Cassio's promotion over him in rank. Iago plots and manipulates events and feelings to his benefit in order to destroy Otello's marriage and eventually his life.

“Otello” runs a little over three hours, with one intermission. Tickets for the live satellite broadcast in HD are $27; season tickets are available. Tickets for the encore screening are $23, $15 for students. For more information, call 594-0070 or visit rocklandstrand.com.

Courier Publications’ A&E Editor Dagney C. Ernest can be reached at (207) 594-4401, ext. 115 or dernest@courierpublicationsllc.com.