Two Gentlemen of Verona

In what is perhaps Shakespeare's earliest play, love goes astray, deception and betrayal cause confusion, and a multilayered plot keeps the pace energetic and joyful. Proteus and Valentine are each sent from Verona to the court of the Duke of Milan. They are the best of friends, until Proteus is enamored by Silvia, though she is the new object of Valentine's affections. Despite having sworn constancy to his own betrothed, Julia, Proteus sets out to betray his unsuspecting friend, only to find that both Silvia and Julia have a thing or two to teach him about loyalty and love. The play reveals how the ideal of male friendship can crumble under the strain of conflicting love interests. A wonderful comedy filled with passionate lovers, women disguised, outlaws, fights, sudden revelations, and a happy denouement, all highlighted by a farcical subplot featuring the character Launce and his dog Crab.