This is a performance by the New York Grand Opera of Verdi's Otello. When it was staged in the full production, I got to pretend to play the mandolin - actually something called a "guzla", sitting down. Emilia (Desdemona's maid) was standing right next to me and one false step on the crowded stage would have resulted in her falling on top of me. Just another opera story explaining why it's hard to watch the conductor. Those interested in the obscure guzla can consult the full Otello score, Dover, page 208.
