Twelfth Night

By (author) Shakespeare, William - Dobson, Michael - Dobson, Michael; By (author) Shakespeare, William; Introduction by Dobson, Michael; Revised by Dobson, Michael
Short description/annotation
Separated from her twin brother Sebastian after a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a boy to serve the Duke of Illyria. Wooing a countess on his behalf, she is stunned to find herself the object of his beloved''s affections.
Description

''If music be the food of love, play on,
Give me excess of it''

Separated from her twin brother Sebastian after a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a boy to serve the Duke Orsino. Wooing a countess on his behalf, she is stunned to find herself the object of her affections. Amorous intrigues, practical jokes, sexual confusion and riotous disorder ensue in this lyrical, hugely popular romantic comedy, which shows both the delights and the perils of desire.

Used and Recommended by the National Theatre

General Editor Stanley Wells
Edited by M. M. Mahood
Introduction by Michael Dobson

Biographical note

William Shakespeare was born some time in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and died in 1616. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world''s pre-eminent dramatist.

Stanley Wells is Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham and Honorary President of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Michael Dobson is Director of the Shakespeare Institute and Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Birmingham.

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Separated from her twin brother Sebastian after a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a boy to serve the Duke Orsino. Wooing a countess on his behalf, she is stunned to find herself the object of her affections.