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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 |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
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 device that gives insight into a character's thoughts or feelings, often by having the character speak out loud when only the audience can hear.
When an actor breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
A type of play from Ancient Rome that centered on average people in their daily lives, defined by stock characters. All surviving Roman comedies are by Plautus or Terence.
The same stereotypical characters that usually appeared in every play.
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