THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

LIKE BROTHER AND BROTHER 
 
After recent disputes between the rulers of Ephesus and Syracuse, travel between the two rival cities is now illegal. The Duke of Ephesus presides over the trial of Egeon, a merchant of Syracuse sentenced to death for violating the travel ban. Egeon explains that he has come to Ephesus in search of his twin sons, who were separated as infants in a shipwreck. His surviving son, Antipholus, was raised in Syracuse with the boy’s attendant, Dromio, who was also separated from his twin in the wreck. When they turned eighteen, Antipholus and Dromio left in search of their lost brothers, and Egeon has come to Ephesus hoping for news of his sons. Moved by his story, the Duke grants Egeon the rest of the day to try and raise the 1000 marks he needs as a ransom. If he can’t find the money, he will be executed at sundown.

Meanwhile, Antipholus of Syracuse arrives in Ephesus, unaware of his father’s plight. He sends his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, to deposit some money at the inn they are staying in. Unbeknownst to him, their twin brothers—who are also named Antipholus and Dromio—are prominent citizens in the city. Dromio of Ephesus appears, and mistaking Antipholus of Syracuse for his master, urges him to return home for dinner with his wife, Adriana. Antipholus is confused by what Dromio is saying, and believing him to be Dromio of Syracuse, sends him away for his insubordination.

Shortly after, Antipholus is reunited with Dromio of Syracuse, but the two run into Adriana and her sister Luciana, who mistake them for Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus. After some confusion, Antipholus finally agrees to join Adriana for dinner, and Dromio is charged with guarding the gate to ensure that nobody disturbs them. This proves to be an issue when Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus return, only to find themselves locked out of their own house. Furious at how he is being treated, Antipholus of Ephesus decides to spite his wife by dining with another woman instead. To make matters worse, Antipholus of Syracuse has not only spurned his apparent wife, Adriana, but he has fallen in love with her sister, Luciana!

This case of mistaken identity sets a series of knee-slapping mishaps into motion, with hijinks that include a stiffed goldsmith, a wrongful arrest, and even a last-ditch exorcism. Will everything come to light before the day ends—and with it, Egeon’s life?