In 1887, Giuseppe Verdi's opera Otello premiered at La Scala in Milan, Italy. This was the first time the opera had been performed and it was a major success. The opera is based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name and tells the story of the Moorish general Othello and his tragic downfall. La Scala is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world and has hosted some of the greatest operas of all time.