Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy written by William Shakespeare believed to have been written around 1601-1602. The play is set in Illyria and follows the story of Viola a young woman who is shipwrecked and disguises herself as a man named Cesario to serve Duke Orsino. Viola falls in love with Orsino but he is in love with Countess Olivia who falls in love with Cesario not realizing that he is actually Viola in disguise. The play explores themes of love gender identity and social class. The characters in the play are colorful and memorable including the drunken Sir Toby Belch his dim-witted friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek and the strict and humorless steward Malvolio. Twelfth Night is known for its witty and playful language its intricate plot and its exploration of gender roles and sexual identity. The plays title refers to the traditional celebration that takes place on the twelfth night after Christmas which was known for its revelry and the overturning of social norms. Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeares most popular and frequently performed comedies and its themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences today.