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About the Play

It is another fine day in Messina, where governor Leonato lives with his sister Antonia, his daughter Hero and his niece Beatrice.  Leonato’s household is quiet and reposed, hovering on the edge of boredom.  But then, news of an approaching visitor and his retenue arrives.

Don Pedro of Arragon, with the heroic assistance of his two most trusted officers, Count Claudio of Florence and Signior Benedick of Padua, has won a recent field campaign and is benignly reconciled with his illegitimate sister Jane, who has stood out against him in the past.

Now, fresh from the battlefield, Don Pedro and his following have come to the house of Leonato to take their well-deserved rest.

Love is in the air for the young count Claudio, for he finds himself entirely captivated by Leonato’s daughter, the beautiful Hero.  All the while, his friend Benedick renews his ongoing war of wits with Leonato’s niece Beatrice, who gives as well as she receives in verbal thrusts.

All would be well for our young protagonists, if only it weren’t for the Lady Jane’s jealous plotting, for she is not quite as reconciled to her lot as her dear brother believes….