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Overview
Synopsis
A scheme to reunite two young lovers and bring down an arrogant soldier drives Miles Gloriosus, the longest-surviving play by Roman playwright Titus Plautus. Pyrgopolynices, the play’s titular “braggart soldier”, has kidnapped Philocomasium, a young Athenian woman and lover of Pleusicles. Pyrgopolynices also kidnapped Pleusicles’ former slave, Palaestrio. Palaestrio and Pyrgopolynices’ neighbor, Periplectomenus, devise a scheme to trick Pyrgopolynices and free both Philocomasium and Palaestrio. This ensemble comedy is a fun exploration of ancient Roman theatre and comic stock characters: the cunning servant, the boastful soldier, the parasite, and the young lovers.
Show Information
- Book
- Titus Plautus
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- The Greek play Alazon
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A street in Ephesus, Ancient Greece
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Early Teen, Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience or to themselves, unheard by other characters onstage.
A performance technique where an actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall for dramatic or comedic effect.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
An introductory speech or scene that sets up the context or themes of a play. Prologues are commonly used in classical drama to prepare the audience for what follows.
A classical genre featuring stock characters, mistaken identities, and satire, influential in Western dramatic traditions.
Recognizable character types used across theatrical traditions, such as the fool, villain, or ingenue.
Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright