The MenaechmiAn Ancient Roman Comedy by Plautus

Directed by Anne Groton, St. Olaf College

Marsuppium arrives to announce the prologue: Two twin brothers, Menaechmus and Sosicles, were separated when Menaechmus was kidnapped by pirates. Sosicles, now named Menaechmus, travels the world in search of his brother who lives in Epidamnus. Mistaken identity ensues as the citizens of Epidamnus confuse each twin for the other.

Menaechmus I pledges his love for his mistress Erotium

and gives his wife’s dress to her as a present.

Menaechmus II and his slave Messenio arrive in Epidamnus looking for the long-lost identical twin.

Erotium confuses Menaechmus II for her lover and invites him to lunch.

The cook arrives to make dinner for Erotium and Menaechmus II.

Matrona, the wife of Menaechmus I, scowls with her maid Ancilla as she tries to find her husband and her

dress.

The singing lawyers arrive, complaining about their clients.

The sailors-turned-tourists arrive at Erotium’s house. Does this place look familiar to you too?

Menaechmus II ponders whether he will actually return the dress and bracelet he promised to have

altered.

The vile lawyers return.

Menaechmus I tries to come up with an excuse for losing Matrona’s dress.

Matrona asks her father Senex and his platypus to help her figure out why her husband is acting so

strangely

The vet’s diagnosis: Oedipus complex

The Vet listens to Menaechmus I try to explain his day.

What was the point of casting these guys?

Oh yes! Someone had to tie up Menaechmus I!

Of course! The two guys with long hair and wearing blue tunics are long-lost twins!

Valete!