Overview
Synopsis
Love, jealousy, intrigue, honor. These are the ingredients of Lope de Vega’s Spanish Golden Age masterpiece The Dog in the Manger. Diana, the Countess of Belflor, is consumed by jealousy at her servant Marcela, who has the love of Teodoro, Diana’s personal secretary. Because of her jealousy--even though she has no intention or possibility of marrying Teodoro--Diana contrives to keep the pair apart. She even locks Marcela away and seduces Teodoro, inspiring his social ambitions to rise to the honor of count. But Marcela is not so easily eliminated, and vows revenge against both Diana and Teodoro. Will true love win out? Will honor be recognized? Still a classic after 400 years, The Dog in the Manger engages and intrigues audiences worldwide.
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Context
Lope de Vega’s 1618 play The Dog in the Manger is inspired by a fable often attributed to Aesop. A dog lies in a hay manger, refusing to move, while the horse is hungry. The dog has no interest in the hay, but is only interested in keeping the other animals from eating. For de Vega, this allegory is transformed into a story of love and jealousy: the Countess of Belflor, Diana, is envious of her maid Marcela. Diana’s secretary Teodoro is in love with Marcela, and intends to marry her, but
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Act One
Teodoro, dressed in fancy clothing, is fleeing through the halls of his employer, Diana, the Countess of Belflor. With him is his friend Tristan--both men are worried that their pursuer, Diana, has recognized them. They speed away just as she enters. Diana calls for her servants, wondering who could have been roaming her halls so late at night. Fabio (her footman) and Otavio (her elderly steward) enter, and reassure Diana that all is well. However, upon investigation, Fabio sees
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Dog in the Manger.
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress