Scene Selecting in Otello by Verdi

Opening: Othello returns triumphant from war and storm. All of Act I is cut out.
During the celebration, Iago tricks Cassio. In the written play, Iago’s soliloquy has him suggest that he could not be so evil if he is giving good advice. However, in the production, Iago is portrayed as completely evil and declares himself the devil.
There is a love song between Othello and Desdemona. This is where they reveal how they fell in love since the scenes with Brabantio in Act I were edited out.
A scene with crowds of people and children admiring Desdemona is added along with Desdemona saying a prayer after speaking with Emilia. These additions show her innocence and goodness in contrast to Iago’s complete evilness.
Instead of Emilia picking up the handkerchief willingly, she is slapped and forced to hand it over to Iago. Perhaps this is meant to keep females as good saintly characters in the production or to emphasize Iago’s true evil.