Synopsis
Written in 1594. Valentine seeks to be educated in the ways of the world and travels with his servant, Speed, from Verona to Milan - where he falls in love with a Duke's daughter (Silvia) who he is too poor to marry. Proteus, also banished from Verona learns that they plan to elope and tells the Duke as he himself becomes enamoured of Silvia. Valentine is banished and becomes head of a select band of outlaws. Meanwhile, Julia, who Proteus had loved, has followed him disguised as a boy is employed by Proteus to take love messages to Silvia. At this point it gets complicated! Sylvia escapes and is pursued by the Duke, but they are both captured by Valentine's gang while the Duke is rescued by Proteus and finally everyone is revelade as who they really are. From Zimbabwe. Vakomana Vaviri ve Zimbabwe, a stunning African version of Shakespeare s Two Gentlemen of Verona, is a two-man Zimbabwean riot of love, friendship and betrayal. From Verona to Milan, via Harare and Bulawayo, two great friends, Valentine and Proteus, vie for the love of the same woman. When Valentine is banished, their friendship is threatened and only through disguise, deception and intrigue are they reconciled. In a broad, loud, triumphantly energetic 'township' style the two actors slip into all of the play's fifteen characters - from amorous suitors to sullen daughters, depressed servants and even a dog. Performed in Shona. Part of Globe to Globe 2012 - World Shakespeare Festival