Shakespeare’s screwball comedy features the bantering of two of his cleverest characters. For Beatrice and Benedick love is a game of wits played with guarded hearts. Yet everyone can see they’re meant for each other. Newly engaged Hero and Claudio conspire to trick the pair into admitting their affections. But schemes are afoot to ruin everyone’s happiness through dire accusations.
Will love win out in the end? Watch and find out.
From Wikipedia: This play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrives in the town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly altered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second romance, between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice, takes center stage as the play goes on, with both characters’ wit and banter providing much of the humor.
Through “noting” (sounding like “nothing”, and meaning gossip, rumor, overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero is not a maiden (virgin). The title’s play on words references the secrets and trickery that form the backbone of the play’s comedy, intrigue, and action.
