Fourth-year acting graduation performance, presented in partnership with the “I.L. Caragiale” National University of Theater and Cinematography

Following a shipwreck, the twins Viola and Sebastian are separated on the shores of Illyria, each believing the other to be lost. Alone in a foreign land, Viola disguises herself as a boy under the name of Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino.

Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia, who, withdrawn in mourning after her brother’s death, rejects any declaration of love. But the situation becomes complicated when Olivia falls in love with Cesario, unaware that a woman lies behind the disguise. At the same time, Viola develops feelings for Orsino, creating a love triangle full of ambiguities and confusion.

At Olivia’s house, another plotline adds a comic touch: Sir Toby, her revelry-loving uncle, along with Sir Andrew and the clever Maria, plot a prank against the proud and moralistic Malvolio, convincing him through a fake letter that his mistress loves him. The absurdity of the situation exposes the character’s hypocrisy and vanity.

Meanwhile, Sebastian also arrives in Illyria, accompanied by Antonio, and his appearance sets off a series of mix-ups and revelations.

“The Twelfth Night” is a comedy about cross-dressing and identity, about desire and illusion, about friendship and generosity, but above all about the deep need to love and be loved. Under the guise of playfulness and farce, Shakespeare constructs a tender reflection on human fragility and on the way in which laughter can reveal the truth.

Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu