THE STORY - Much Ado About Nothing

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The play takes place in and around the home of Leonato, Governor of Messina. Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, arrives with his followers on their way home from the wars. With him are Count Claudio, who immediately falls in love with Hero, Leonato’s daughter and heir, and Signor Benedick, who spends a lot of time mocking love and exchanging witty insults with Leonato’s niece, Beatrice, also a sworn enemy to love. Don Pedro’s half brother, Don John, who describes himself as a ‘plain dealing villain’ is also with them. He expresses resentment of his brother, saying, "if I had my mouth, I would bite," and looks for opportunities to foil him.

Don Pedro helps Claudio woo Hero and get Leonato’s consent to their wedding. To pass the time until the wedding, Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio and Hero decide to trick Benedick and Beatrice into falling in love with each another.

Don Pedro contrives first that Benedick will overhear him in conversation with Claudio and Leonato. They discuss the "fact" that Beatrice is in love with Benedick, but that she would rather die than reveal her love. Having heard this, Benedick decides to requite her love. The plotters then contrive that Beatrice should overhear Hero and her gentlewoman, Ursula, discussing Benedick’s love for Beatrice, which likewise inspires her to fall in love with him.

In the midst of this merriment, however, Don John remains determined to thwart Claudio and Hero’s wedding. His follower, Borachio, is ‘much in the favour’ of Hero’s gentlewoman, Margaret, and can persuade her to meet him in the middle of the night at Hero’s chamber window dressed in Hero’s clothing. Don John brings Claudio and Don Pedro where they can witness this meeting, and of course, they believe that it is Hero and see it as evidence of Hero’s unchastity. The following day at the wedding ceremony, Claudio publicly refuses and shames Hero, who faints and appears to be dead. The Prince, Don John and Claudio nonetheless leave. When Hero revives, the Friar, convinced of her innocence, advises Hero and her family to behave as if Hero has in fact died, until the truth can be discovered. He hopes that this will inspire remorse in Claudio.

The truth finally comes to light thanks to the Watch, a ragtag bunch who report to Dogberry, an enthusiastic, malaprop-spouting constable charged with keeping the peace in Messina. The Watch hears Borachio describe his deeds to another of Don John’s followers, Conrade. The Sexton who records the testimony realizes the implications for Hero and her family. Borachio is brought before Leonato, and the truth is revealed to Claudio and Don Pedro. They learn that Don John has fled.

On hearing that he had falsely accused Hero, Claudio vows to mourn at Hero’s tomb that night and the following morning to marry "Hero’s cousin", now Leonato’s heir. The following day, as they wait for Claudio and the Prince to arrive for the wedding, Benedick tells Leonato and the Friar of his desire to marry Beatrice as well. Claudio accepts his new bride, who is revealed to be Hero, and in spite of some good-natured, last-minute wrangling, Benedick and Beatrice decide to get married, too. The play ends with a dance.

PLAY GUIDE

A Guide to William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

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Contents

• An Introduction to the play and to Bard’s production
• Who’s Who in Much Ado About Nothing plus Questions
• What Happens in Much Ado About Nothing plus Questions

Bard’s Production of Much Ado About Nothing

From Director Dean Paul Gibson

Our production of Much Ado About Nothing is set in Italy at the turn of the century. A rich Spanish flavour layers the production, with deference to the character Don Pedro of Aragon, conveying the strong influence Spain had on the Mediterranean and Sicily historically. Military style representing Spain and Italy, together with romantic summer attire (including relaxed linens, cottons) adorned by the citizens of Messina will help to capture the style and elegance of the Edwardian time period. Latin guitar music and classic orchestrations underscoring the action and featured flamenco dancing will all contribute to the colourful textures of this production.

Imagine a beautiful Italian summer where the men returning from war are victorious and celebratory. Against this backdrop, the women welcoming them home are ready to engage in a ‘merry war’ at home inviting witty repartee and challenging the men to truly test their metal in love. With summer in full bloom and the threat of real war behind them, all is ripe for romance.

The set evokes a feeling of the Italian coastline. With a pale base backdrop the scenery will be colourfully accented with the flowers, shutters and furniture associated with this classic traditional setting. The famous Bard view is framed by columns, arches and gates, with a nod to the historic lines of ancient Italy.

Notes on the Set Design

From the Mainstage Set Designer Drew Facey

One of the challenges for the set was the huge scope of location and period: from Messina, Italy in 1910 to ancient Rome and ancient Egypt a millennia earlier. The design is based on the familiar footprint of the Mainstage theatre although the central forestage is lower than in previous years bringing the performers closer to the audience thus creating a more intimate connection to the plays.

The set is based on classical architectural elements: columns, arches and grand staircases. However, these elements have been simplified through a contemporary eye creating a gentle simplicity to the overall design. The color palette is high contrast and also contemporary, with the walls, arches and columns being soft whites and creams in contrast with a slate grey and dark charcoal floor. Further contrast is added in small dashes of black. The floor design is based on the tile work of Italian piazzas but rendered in a granite finish, almost looking like concrete.

For Much Ado, we have created an Italian courtyard. Black ironwork is added to the set in the form of gates and railings while huge pots filled with gorgeous, colorful plantings pop out in contrast to the cool palette of the rest of the set.

Who’s Who in Much Ado About Nothing

Please note: not all characters in Shakespeare’s play appear in Bard’s production.

Residents of Messina:

Leonato is Governor of Messina, so has the highest status in town. Not only do the servants of his household work for him, but also the public servants, such as the watch and the sexton report to him as well. He welcomes the Prince and his military officers into his home as guests.
“How much better is it to weep at joy than to joy at weeping!”

Hero is Leonato’s daughter and only child. She falls in love with one of the Prince’s officers, but is the victim of a plot to disgrace her. During what should be her wedding, the groom publicly shames her, accusing her of sexual promiscuity in front of all of the wedding guests. She faints, and the groom and his friends leave her for dead. She is only resurrected when her name is cleared.
“I will do any modest office, my lord, to help my cousin to a good husband.”

Beatrice is Leonato’s niece. She seems to be devoted to her cousin, Hero, but expresses scorn at the idea of falling in love. She is described as a ‘pleasant-spirited lady’ but she is also called ‘Lady Disdain’. She is the victim of a plot to trick her into falling in love.
“I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.”

Antonio is Leonato’s brother. He joins in the fun at parties, but also shares in the grief at Hero’s disgrace. In spite of his age, he is prepared to fight Claudio and Don Pedro because of their treatment of his niece, and goes far to provoke them to combat.
“Sir boy, I’ll whip you from your foining fence. Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will.”

Margaret is a waiting gentlewoman in the household. She is an enthusiastic participant in the friendly plot to trick Beatrice, but an unwitting participant in the plot to disgrace Hero. She seems to enjoy sexually suggestive banter, and it is her behaviour with Borachio that is mistakenly attributed to Hero bringing her shame.
“God match me with a good dancer...And God keep him out of my sight when the dance is done!”

Ursula is another waiting gentlewoman in the household. She dances with the masked Antonio during the evening revels and playfully teases him about his appearance. She also helps in the plot to trick Beatrice into falling in love with Benedick.
“Sure, sure, such carping is not commendable.”

Friar Francis officiates at the wedding ceremony, and offers counsel when it is thwarted. He believes in Hero’s honesty because he has quietly and carefully observed her reactions to Claudio’s accusation. He advises that everyone behave as if Hero were dead, so that Claudio will feel remorse for his actions.
“Pause awhile, and let my counsel sway you in this case.”

Dogberry is the constable of Messina. He seems to enjoy using words, although he often mistakes their meaning.
“If I were as tedious as a king, I could find in my heart to bestow it all of your worship.”

Verges is Dogberry’s friend and assistant. He is described as very old.
“I thank God, I am as honest as any man living, that is an old man, and no honester than I.”

The Watch is made up of various members of the community who help keep law and order in Messina. Members of the Watch have names like Hugh Oatcake and George Seacoal.
“Never speak, we charge you, let us obey you to go with us.”

The Sexton records the testimony of the Watch and their prisoners, and discovers the plot to disgrace Hero.
“Master Constable, let these men be bound and brought to Leonato’s.”

Visitors to Messina:

Don Pedro is Prince of Aragon. He has just led a successful military campaign and stops at Messina, presumably on his way home. He helps arrange the marriage of one of his officers, Claudio, with Hero, the daughter of the Governor of Messina. He participates in a plot to trick one of his officers, Benedick, into falling in love.
“As I wooed for thee to obtain her, I will join with thee to disgrace her.” Benedick is a gentleman and soldier in Don Pedro’s army. He is no stranger in Messina; in fact he seems to have some sort of history with Beatrice, and the two exchange many barbs in a pitched battle of wits. A confirmed bachelor, he is the victim of a plot to trick him into falling in love with Beatrice.
“I would I could find it in my heart that I had not a hard heart, for truly, I love none.”

Claudio is a young officer from Florence who serves Don Pedro. He has distinguished himself in the war and has also become friends with Benedick. Upon returning to Messina, he falls in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero, however, he is easily tricked into believing lies about her.
“Friendship is constant in all other things save in the office and affairs of love.”

Don John is Don Pedro’s half brother. He does not share in his brother’s status because he is described as a ‘bastard’, i.e. his father and mother were not married. Don John has recently ‘stood against’ his brother, who has forgiven him. Don John, however, describes himself as ‘a plain dealing villain’ and sets about to destroy the others’ happiness.
“If I had my mouth, I would bite.”

Borachio is a follower of Don John’s who is instrumental in the plot to fool Claudio and disgrace Hero. After it seems his plot has killed Hero, he expresses remorse and seeks to protect Margaret from any blame.
“My villainy they have upon record, which I had rather seal with my death than repeat over to my shame.”

Conrade is another follower of Don John’s. He is arrested along with Borachio.
“Away! You are an ass, you are an ass.”

A Messenger brings word of Don Pedro’s approach at the beginning of the play.
“I will hold friends with you, lady.”

Questions (Before attending a performance):

• Which of the characters seem most interesting to you? Why?
• Which of the quotes listed above express things you have felt?
• What do you predict will happen when these characters encounter one another?

Questions (After attending a performance):

• With which of the characters did you identify most? Why?
• Did the portrayal of any of the characters surprise you? Please discuss.
• Did your response to any of the characters surprise you? Please discuss.

What Happens in Much Ado About Nothing

The play begins at the home of Leonato, Governor of Messina, who receives word that Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon and his followers will arrive to stay with Leonato on their way home from the military action. Leonato and his family hear about Count Claudio, who has served Don Pedro admirably in the wars. Leonato’s niece, Beatrice, asks the messenger about Signior Benedick, then mocks his good report. Leonato explains that there is a “merry war” of wit between his niece and Benedick.

Upon arriving at Leonato’s house with his followers, Don Pedro announces his intention to stay there at least a month. Beatrice and Benedick immediately engage in playful banter, each one expressing disdain for love and marriage. Leonato welcomes everyone, including Don Pedro’s half-brother, Don John, who has recently reconciled with Don Pedro. After everyone else leaves to enter the house, Claudio confesses to Benedick that he has fallen in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero, and wants to marry her. Don Pedro returns and Benedick immediately reveals Claudio’s secret, again mocking love. After predicting that Benedick, too, will “look pale with love”, the Prince offers Claudio his help: that evening during the masked revels, he will pretend to be Claudio and woo Hero in his name. He will then obtain permission from Leonato to marry Hero, again on Claudio’s behalf. They exit to put the plan into action.

Leonato and his brother Antonio enter, the latter full of news. One of his servants overheard the Prince and Claudio in the orchard discussing Hero, and the servant has reported that the Prince is in love with Hero and plans to propose to her that evening. Leonato intends to “hold it as a dream” until there is more proof, but decides to tell Hero, so that she may be prepared.

One of Don John’s followers, Borachio, has also overheard the Prince and Claudio’s conversation in full. Don John, who describes himself as “a plain-dealing villain,” decides to do what he can to cross Claudio and Hero’s courtship.

That evening there is a festive ball, at which the gentlemen all wear masks. Don Pedro takes Hero aside while Beatrice dances with and talks to the masked Benedick as if he were someone else, gossiping about Benedick and insulting him. Everyone dances away, leaving Claudio alone with Don John and Borachio. Although they know the masked gentleman in Claudio, they address him as Benedick, and express concern that Don Pedro is in love with Hero, his social inferior. This trick works briefly, convincing Claudio that the Prince has tricked him and woos for himself. However, the Prince soon returns with Hero, Leonato and Beatrice, and everyone wishes Claudio joy in his marriage. Although Beatrice seems enthusiastic about her cousin’s wedding, she reasserts her commitment to remain single herself. This reticence, coupled with Benedick’s disdain towards love, inspires the Prince to plot to bring Benedick and Beatrice “into a mountain of affection, th’one with th’other.” Leonato, Claudio and Hero all agree to follow the Prince’s instructions to help with the trick, which will pass the time before Claudio and Hero’s wedding.

Don Pedro contrives first that Benedick will overhear him in conversation with Claudio and Leonato. They discuss the “fact” that Beatrice is in love with Benedick, but that she would rather die than reveal her love. Having heard this, Benedick decides to requite her love. The plotters then contrive that Beatrice should overhear Hero and her gentlewoman, Ursula, discussing Benedick’s love for Beatrice, which likewise inspires her to fall in love with him.

In the midst of this merriment, however, Don John remains determined to thwart Claudio and Hero’s wedding. His follower, Borachio, is ‘much in the favour’ of Hero’s gentlewoman, Margaret, and can persuade her to meet him in the middle of the night at Hero’s chamber window, dressed in Hero’s clothing. Don John brings Claudio and Don Pedro where they can witness this, and of course, they see this, believe that it is Hero, and see it as evidence of Hero’s unchastity. The following day at the wedding ceremony, Claudio publicly refuses and shames Hero, who faints and appears to be dead. The Prince, his brother and Claudio nonetheless leave. When Hero revives, the Friar, convinced of her innocence, advises Hero and her family to behave as if Hero has, in fact, died, until the truth can be discovered, in the hopes that this will inspire remorse in Claudio.

The truth finally comes to light thanks to the Watch, a ragtag bunch who report to Dogberry, an enthusiastic, malaprop-spouting constable charged with keeping the peace in Messina. In yet another overhearing, the Watch hears Borachio describe his deeds to another of Don John’s followers, Conrade. The Sexton who records the testimony realizes the implications for Hero and her family. Borachio is brought before Leonato, and the truth is revealed to Claudio and Don Pedro, who also receives news that his brother has fled. On hearing that he had falsely accused Hero, Claudio vows to mourn at Hero’s tomb that night and the following morning to marry “Hero’s cousin”, now Leonato’s heir. The following day, as they wait for Claudio and the Prince to arrive for the wedding, Benedick tells Leonato and the Friar of his desire to marry Beatrice as well. Claudio accepts his new bride, who is revealed to be Hero, and in spite of some good-natured, last minute wrangling, Benedick and Beatrice decide to get married, too. The play ends with a dance.

Questions (Before attending a performance):

• Think of all of the instances of eavesdropping, spying and overhearing. How many of them are mistaken or deceitful? How many of them reveal the truth? What is the impact on the story of the various truthful and deceitful overhearings?
• How are the two stories, of Hero and Claudio’s courtship and of Benedick and Beatrice’s courtship similar? How are they different? Why do you think Shakespeare put them both into the same play?
• What function do Don John and his followers serve in the story? What function do Dogberry, Verges and the Watch serve in the story?

Questions (After attending a performance):

• What theatrical devices does the production use in the various scenes of overhearing? How are they different from one another? How do your responses to them vary?
• How did the two romantic relationships (Hero/Claudio and Beatrice/Benedick) in the story differ? What did they have in common? How did you respond to these courtships as audience?
• What impact do Don John and his followers have on the world of the play? What impact do Dogberry and his company have on the world of the play? How did this compare with what you had expected?

© Copyright Mary Hartman and Bard on the Beach, 2010. Individuals are welcome to print this guide for their personal use and teachers are encouraged to make copies for their students. All other rights reserved.