ACT I
Scene 1: The household of Leonato, the governor of Messina, awaits a visit from Don Pedro, the prince of Aragon, who has just defeated his rebellious half-brother, Don John, in battle. Don Pedro arrives with his soldiers, Benedick and Claudio, as well as the defeated Don John. Benedick and Leonato’s niece Beatrice, who have both sworn to never fall in love, verbally spar with each other. Meanwhile, Claudio tells Benedick and Don Pedro that he has fallen in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero, and Don Pedro promises to woo her on Claudio’s behalf.
Scene 2: Don John, still sour from his recent defeat by Don Pedro, complains about his situation and refuses to be comforted by his henchman, Conrade. Another henchman, Borachio informs Don John that Claudio is in love with Hero and promises to help devise a plot against Claudio.
Scene 3: Leonato holds a masked dance party for his guests. Don John and Borachio mislead Claudio into thinking that Don Pedro intends to woo Hero for himself. Don Pedro clears up the misunderstanding with Claudio, and Leonato gives his blessing to the marriage of Hero and Claudio. Don Pedro hatches a scheme to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love with each other.
Scene 4: Borachio presents Don John with a scheme to ruin the marriage of Hero and Claudio by falsely making it appear that Hero has been unfaithful to Claudio.
Scene 5: After declaring he will never fall in love, Benedick hides from Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato in order to eavesdrop on their conversation. Don Pedro and the others, knowing that Benedick is listening to them, stage a conversation in which they say that Beatrice is head over heels for Benedick. Benedick resolves to requite Beatrice’s love.
Scene 6: Similarly to the men, Hero and her lady-in-waiting, Ursula, stage a fake conversation for Beatrice in which they say that Benedick is deeply in love with her. Beatrice resolves to give up her pride and return Benedick’s love.
Scene 7: Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato tease Benedick because he appears to be in love. Don John tells Claudio and Don Pedro that he can prove Hero is unfaithful by showing them someone else entering her chamber window. Claudio resolves to denounce Hero at their wedding.
- 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION -
