Overview
Synopsis
Two Gentleman of Verona follows two best friends: Valentine and Proteus. Valentine is about to depart Verona for the more cosmopolitan city of Milan, while Proteus is staying behind to woo the lovely Julia. Proteus’ father has other plans for him, however, and instructs him to follow Valentine to Milan to pursue his education. Meanwhile, in Milan, Valentine has fallen in love with the duke’s beautiful daughter, Silvia, whom Proteus, upon his arrival, falls for as well: all too quickly forgetting his feelings for Julia, whom he has sworn himself to back home. Trouble (obviously) ensues as Proteus thwarts his best friend’s plans to elope, Julia comes to Milan to find her love doting on a new lady, and Valentine discovers Proteus attempting to force himself upon Silvia in the woods. Shakespeare’s investigation of friendship, love, faithfulness, and fickleness, this tale takes us on a journey across Northern Italy, asking us, with wit, humor, and poignancy, to question the forces that bind us together and tear us apart.
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Context
While there is no exact date of composition for Two Gentlemen of Verona, most scholars agree it is one of Shakespeare’s first plays. It is not as sophisticated in its dialogue or plot as other comedies, and Shakespeare seems to be trying some plot devices that he would use in later plays, such as a young woman disguising herself as a boy.
The first production date is unknown, but the play was included in Palladis Tamia, a 1598 chronicle of Shakespeare’s plays by Frances Mere. It was then
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ACT ONE
Valentine is leaving Milan and wants his best friend Proteus to accompany him. However, Proteus is in love with Julia, and wishes to stay to be close to her. Speed, Valentine’s witty servant, tells Proteus that although he delivered a love letter to Julia, she sent no reply. Speed hastily joins Valentine, while Proteus decides to visit Julia himself.
Little does he know that Julia is curious about the meaning of his letter, and talks with her maid Lucetta about the man who wrote
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Two Gentlemen of Verona.
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