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Overview

Synopsis

Menaechmus Sosicles is on a journey. Accompanied by his faithful servant Messenio, the men have been searching for Menaechmus’ long-lost twin brother, also named Menaechmus. They arrive in Epidamnus, a city with a reputation for cursing its visitors with bad luck. Before long, Menaechmus Sosicles is spoiled with a bountiful lunch, the company of a courtesan, and valuable jewelry. He adores the attention, but is ready to move on and continue his search.

At the same time, the long-lost twin Menaechmus is living in Epidamnus--miserably married, courting the neighborhood courtesan, and suddenly finding himself followed by a new servant (Messenio) who claims to have known him for years. Through a series of confusions, misunderstandings, misidentifications, and a few fits of madness, the brothers finally come face-to-face.

The Menaechmi is perhaps Plautus’ greatest comedy and the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. The foundation for the trope of long-lost twins, The Menaechmi is a romping, quick-paced slapstick send-up of domestic life, family loyalty, and an afternoon at the theatre.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
5
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Ancient Epidamnus, city street
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Menaechmus of Epidamnus

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Menaechmus Sosicles

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Peniculus

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Erotium

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Cylindrus

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Messenio

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

The Wife (of Menaechmus of Epidamnus)

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Old Man (Wife’s Father)

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Doctor

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Erotium’s Maid

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Servants

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A masked, improvised farce that originated in the rustic Oscan town of Attella.

    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.

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress