| A fantastic tale of mistaken identity, lost relatives, and fat women. The chanciest of encounters sets everone to be insane with reality. Cute to say the least. |
Cast: [top] Egeon - Merchant from Syracuse Solinus - Duke of Ephesus Antipholus of Syracuse - Traveller in search of his mother and brother. Dromio of Syracuse - His servant from birth. Antipholus of Ephesus - Wealthy citizen of Ephesus Dromio of Ephesus - His servant from birth. Adriana - Antipholus of Ephesus' wife. Luciana - Her unwed sister. Luce (Nell) - Kitchen wench. Fiancee to Dromio of Ephesus. Angelo - Goldsmith, Jewler. Merchant - Owed money from Angelo. Balthasar - Antipholus of Ephesus' friend. Courtesan - FRIEND to Antipholus of Ephesus, learned whore (in a nice way, honest!). Dr. Pinch - Schoolteacher who knows Latin and can therefore cure insanity through holy prayers. Lady Abbess (Emilia) - Head of a priory (nunnery, abby, church thing). Various servants and extras. 
In my own words... [top] 1 : 1 Egeon, a Syracusian merchant, is arrested in Ephesus. Per the law, no one from Syracuse can enter Ephesus (and vice versa). He tells the Duke his story. Many years ago, his family was shipwrecked at sea. He, his wife, their two enfant sons, and two enfant boys got aboard a piece o the ship's mast. The mast broke in half, and his wife, one son, and one boy floated away. They were picked up by different ships, and separated forever. Egeon has spent the last seven years searching for his lost wife and son, and now has failed. The Duke has sympathy, but must obey the law. Egeon must produce 1000 dukats, which he cannot, or die at the end of the day. Thus the play begins. 1 : 2 Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant arrive at Ephesus, searching for his mother and brother. He sends his servant to an inn with his money for safe keeping. Later, he meets Dromio of Ephesus (which he mistakes for his Dromio). When asked about the money, he denies ever having it. Furthermore, Dromio scorns Antipholus of Syracuse (also mistaken) for being late for dinner with his wife. He thinks him joking, but his pleas for honesty go unanswered. This earns him a beating. Antipholus of Syracuse then goes to find his money. 2 : 1 Adriana and her sister wonder what could be keeping her husband, when Dromio of Ephesus enters. He tells of Antipholus denying having a wife and his refusal to go to dinner. Furious, they go to find him. 2 : 2 Antipholus of Syracuse meets up with Dromio of Syracuse. When asked about his earlier trick, Dromio denies it. Thinking himself being made to look like a liar, he beats Dromio. Adriana and Luciana then find the two, and persuade them to come to dinner. 3 : 1 Antipholus of Ephesus returns to his home with his servant, Angelo, and Balthasar. Since they are supposedly already inside, they are denied access by Dromio of Syracuse. A witty exchange is displayed between them, after which Antipholus of Ephesus decides to dine with the Courtesan. He sends Angelo to get a gold chain he bade him make for his wife and give it to the Courtesan. Antipholus of Ephesus feels scorned by his wife. 3 : 2 Antipholus of Syracuse, still in Antipholus of Ephesus' house, meets with Luciana. He is smitten, and falls in love with her quite fast. Luciana is disturbed, after all, he is her brother in law. She goes to tell Adriana about his wooing. When she goes, Dromio of Syracuse come running into the room, escaping the wrath of Luce. Luce thought he was her Dromio, and may have tried to smother him. You see, she is a big woman. They talk about this for a bit, and then deduce that the women must be witches. Antipholus sends Dromio off to the port to book passage on the next ship out. While walking, Antipholus of Syracuse is given the chain by Angelo which was meant for Antipholus of Ephesus. Surely there must be sorrcery a work... 4 : 1 Another merchant talks with Angelo about the money owed to him. Angelo says he will have the moeny when Antipholus of Ephesus gives him money for the chain. They meet up with Antipholus of Ephesus and Angelo asks for the money. Having no chain, he refuses to pay. In the meantime, Dromio of Ephesus is sent to buy the end of a rope with which to beat Adriana. Angelo has the officer arrest Antipholus of Ephesus. Dromio of Syracuse then returns to the group after booking passage on a ship. Antipholus sends Dromio to his house to get money for bail. 4 : 2 Adriana talks with Luciana about Antipholus of Ephesus' wooing, when Dromio of Ephesus comes in. He tells her that Antipholus is being brought to jail and needs bail money. She sends him off with it. 4 : 3 Dromio of Syracuse meets up with Antipholus of Syracuse and gives him the bail money, which he does not need. The Courtesan enters, demmanding the ring Antipholus of Ephesus took from her (in exchange for the chain). The men draw their swords, thinking more witchcraft at play. The Courtesan leaves to tell Adriana that her husband is crazy. 4 : 4 Dromio of Ephesus meets up with Antipholus of Ephesus, and gets beaten for bringing the rope istead of the bail money. Adriana, Luciana, the Courtesan, and Dr. Pinch (enlisted to cure Antipholus of Ephesus' madness) enter with the other group. Dromio of Ephesus and Antipholus of Ephesus are taken away to be cured. Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse enter with their swords drawn and scare off the group, who think the madmen have escaped. Antipholus and Dromio go to leave on a ship. 5 : 1 More people arrive to help bind Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse, so they flea into a priory (see above) for sanctuary. The Abbess refuses to bring anyone out against their will. Now, the Duke comes by with Egeon, who is about to be executed. Antipholus of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus enter (on the other side of the priory gates), having escaped Dr. Pinch. Egeon tries to get Antipholus of Ephesus (who he thinks is Antipholus of Syracuse) to pay his bail, but Antipholus of Ephesus denies knowing him (Egeon has also been gone for seven years and he thinks his son won't recognize him). Lady Abbess goes and gets Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse, and for the first time the twins meet. Egeon is reunited with Emelia (Lady Abbess, who was separated for the children on the boat that rescued her), as well as the rest of the family. Antipholus of Syracuse again declares his love for Luciana. All are pardoned by the Duke. They all lived happily ever after. 
In my humble opinion... [top] I loved this play. It seems to be lesser known among Shakespeare's plays. It wasen't a favorite, but it had its moments.. It was a bit too full of holes to be believeable, but nevertheless a huge riot. The people get a little confusing to keep track of, but I guess that was the point. I am sure that this would really kick ass on stage. Actors could beat each other up, do all sorts of funny things! The witty arguments made between.....everyone are the best parts. Forgive me. I cannot deal this play the amount of homage this play deserves. I just got back from Psycho, and boy am I ready for a shower (haha! Ya see?! Its a joke!). Seriously, its a -- OH GOD, MOTHER! -- great play. Read it. (Yes.... Read it, Norman....) ; - ) More... [top] Sorry, couldn't find any further info. Believe me, I tried. But it seems that there are numerous productions of it everywhere. Check your local paper, see it!
|
