The Dog in the Manger

Play

Writers: Lope de Vega

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1618
Genres
Drama, Romance
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Naples, Italy, 1600s
Cast Size
large
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult, mature adult, elderly, adult, late teen characters

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.

Lead Characters


The Dog in the Manger guide sections