Full-Length
Adaptation
9M, 3W

Play

Twelfth Night


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Synopsis

Shakespeare’s comedy about the power of love follows twins Viola and Sebastian, who are washed ashore in a strange land after a shipwreck, each thinking the other has perished. Viola disguises herself as a man, to become a servant of the local Duke Orsino. She quickly finds herself in love with this duke, despite being recruited as messenger for his wooing of the countess Olivia. Not only is this wooing unsuccessful, but Olivia falls for the messenger. The subplot involves Olivia’s household revelers, who clash with her stern household steward, Malvolio. The wild knot of misunderstandings is untied at last, once Sebastian arrives on the scene.

Casting & Production


Casting

DUKE ORSINO
VIOLA
CURIO — an attendant of Orsino
MARIA — chambermaid to Olivia
FESTE — the clown of Olivia’s court
COUNTESS OLIVIA
MALVOLIO — steward of Olivia’s household, wears a steward’s chain
SIR TOBY BELCH — Olivia’s uncle
SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK — a friend of Sir Toby
SEBASTIAN — twin brother of Viola
ANTONIO — a sea captain
FABIAN — a servant in Olivia’s household
MUSICIANS (can be live on stage or pre-recorded)


Setting

The fictional country of Illyria

Media

"A design and staging triumph."

- The New Yorker

"(A) perfectly pared-down adaptation."

- City Guide New York

"Marc Palmieri’s brilliant adaptation...is pure story; accessible, lovely and flowing."

- Front Row Center

"The adaption by Marc Palmieri runs just about 90-minutes instead of the play’s usual running time of two and a half hours and is a perfect rendition of the twists and turns of this wonderful comedy."

- Front Mezz Junkies

Upcoming Productions

Nov 0716, 2025
Univ of Detroit Mercy Theatre
Detroit, MI
Jun 0514, 2026
US Army Entertainment
Alexandria, VA