Cymbeline at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre

Imagine all the greatest hits from plays by William Shakespeare -- star-crossed lovers, heroic soldiers , raging royalty, evil drug dealing dukes, twisted villains, banished forest dwelling friends, kidnapped heirs to the throne, visitations from the gods, an incredible battle, and more love than you thought possible...and you've got CYMBELINE. Published in the First Folio in 1623 and rarely seen, this magical play marries action, adventure, and romance. Queen Cymbeline rules over a divided dystopian Britain. Consumed with grief at the death of her two children, Cymbeline’s judgement is clouded. When Imogen, the only living heir, marries her sweetheart, Leonatus, in secret, an enraged Cymbeline banishes him. Behind the throne, a power-hungry figure plots to seize power by murdering them both. In exile, Imogen's husband is tricked into believing she has been unfaithful to him and in an act of impulsive jealousy begins a scheme to have her murdered. Warned of the danger, Imogen runs away from court in disguise and begins a journey fraught with danger that will eventually reunite Cymbeline with a long-lost heir and reconcile the young lovers. The MET production builds on this pedigree, including lush costumes, original music, exciting combat, innovative storytelling and thrilling visual sequences. The play's modern style will entice audiences and provide opportunity for exposure to one of Shakespeare's most rarely produced works.

Authors

• Elizabeth Swados
• Peter John Still
• William Shakespeare