One of Shakespeare’s earlier works, The Comedy of Errors, is a farcical play set in Ephesus where mayhem ensues.
In the play, there are two sets of twins that are separated at birth. The older of each set ends up in Syracuse being raised by Antipholus major’s father while the younger of each ends up in Ephesus, courtesy of Antipholus minor’s mother. Antipholus (the younger son) is a wealthy man with an odd wife. His servant Dromio is the younger of the second set of twins. Together these two live in harmony, not knowing they have twins.
Meanwhile, the older Antipholus and Dromio know they have twins and set out from Syracuse to Ephesus to not only find their twins but to save Antipholus’ father. As they enter the city, all sorts of chaos ensues as each set of Antipholuses and Dromios is mistaken for the other.
The younger Antipholus is arrested for not paying for a golden chain he has bought for his wife, when clearly the goldsmith gave it to the older Antipholus.
The older Antipholus mistakes the younger Dromio for his servant Dromio several times during the play. Of course, in the end, everything works out to everyone’s advantage, so much so that the mother and father of the Antipholus twins find each other after thirty-three years of searching.
The acting was superb, probably even better than if it had been professionally done. The slapstick comedy was used tremendously as both Antipholuses got after both Dromios for being dense and goofy. It was a great play, my favorite since I have been attending Vanguard productions.
