“If music be the food of love, play on,
Give me excess of it; that surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die.”
Shakespeare play, Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy about two separated twins Viola and Sebastian who make their way to the kingdom of Illyria. Viola disguises herself as a boy cesario and is employed by the reigning duke Orsino. Orsino's love interest is the Lady Olivia who will not reciprocate the same as she is mourning the death of her father. Orsino sends viola to woo Lady Olivia on his behalf but Olivia ends up falling for viola who she believes to be Cesario. Meanwhile chance brings Sebastian to the court of Olivia who makes him marry her mistaking him for Viola aka Cesario.
A healthy rigmarole ensues till all is cleared with the duke finding new love with viola. Noteworthy among the characters is the antics of Malvolio and Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
- First Printed : 1623
- First Performed : 1599-1600