Play description

ACT I

Scene 1. Three queens interrupt the wedding celebrations of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta.

They seek revenge for the deaths of their husbands, killed by Creon of Thebes. Hippolyta and her

sister Emilia entreat Theseus to help them and he instructs his army to prepare for war.

Scene 2. In Thebes, two noble kinsmen, Palamon and Arcite, discuss the tyrannical rule of their uncle

Creon. They are resolving to leave the court when news comes of impending war with Athens; they

now have no choice but to stay.

Scene 3. Hippolyta and Emilia bid farewell to Theseus's general Pirithous. Once he has gone, Emilia

marvels at Pirithous's affection for the Duke but remains convinced that the friendship between

women cannot be matched. She is certain that she can never love a man as she loved her friend

Flavina.

Scene 4. Theseus returns victorious from battle and the queens express their gratitude. Palamon and

Arcite have been taken captive but Theseus orders that they be well treated, praising their courage.

Scene 5. The three queens process with the hearses of their lords.