Two Noble Kinsmen

About this recording

The Two Noble Kinsmen is a Jacobean tragicomedy co-written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, first published in 1634. Set in ancient Greece during a war between Athens and Thebes, the narrative follows the title characters, Palamon and Arcite, noble youths whose friendship is destroyed by their mutual love for the beautiful Emilia. The subplot deals with the love and eventual madness of the Gaoler's Daughter, who falls hopelessly in love with Palamon. The play is based on "The Knight's Tale" by Chaucer, but also has echoes of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as two of the major characters are Theseus and Hippolyta, who also appear in the earlier play. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Cast

Narrator/Gaoler's Daughter: Elizabeth Klett

First Queen/Nell: Arielle Lipshaw

Second Queen/Waiting-woman: Beth Thomas

Third Queen/Taborer: Charlotte Duckett

Theseus: Bruce Pirie

Hippolyta: Libby Gohn

Emilia: Amanda Friday

Pirithous: Todd

Palamon: David Nicol

Arcite: mb

Valerius/Bavian/First Friend: Patti Cunningham

Herald/Messenger: tovarisch

Gaoler: Algy Pug

Wooer: Eden Rea-Hedrick

First Countryman/Gentleman/Doctor: bala

Third Countryman/Gaoler's Brother/Servant/Third Knight: Brett…

• Tragedy
• Comedy