Two Gentlemen of Verona

Play

Writers: William Shakespeare

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1589
Genres
Comedy, Dark Comedy, Romance
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
A forest between Milan and Mantua, The Duke of Milan's Palace, Verona
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult, adult, mature adult, elderly characters

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.

Lead Characters


Two Gentlemen of Verona guide sections