Shakespeare in Detroit (SiD) will present an abbreviated reading of Two Noble Kinsman, first published in 1634 and attributed to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare.
​
The event is a fundraiser for the theatre company and will begin sharply at 1 p.m. You receive (3) three shots with the price of your ticket. Come early to make sure you have time to purchase your chasers ahead of the reading, if you need them.
This is an event for audience members 21 years or older.
​
A summary of the play:
The Two Noble Kinsmen, derived from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, begins as Athens defeats Thebes in war. Arcite and Palamon, Theban knights and devoted cousins, are imprisoned in Athens. From their cell, they see Emilia, the sister-in-law of Theseus, Duke of Athens. Both fall in love with her, becoming bitter rivals.
​
Arcite is released but, for love of Emilia, stays in Athens at the risk of his life. The jailer's daughter, who loves Palamon, helps him escape, but goes mad with anxiety. Her original wooer cures her by courting her while pretending to be Palamon.
​
Arcite encounters Palamon and challenges him to formal combat for Emilia. Theseus discovers them before they duel. He first sentences both to death, but then establishes a contest in which each will participate with Theban comrades. The loser and his knights will die. The winner will wed Emilia.
​
Arcite prays to Mars for victory; Palamon, to Venus for Emilia's love. Both prayers are answered. Arcite wins, but dies after a riding accident. Palamon, spared from execution, marries Emilia.