cover art anon, Flemish, circa 1520
“So you
don't think Machiavelli had a sense of humor? Then go see the rolicking
production of his comedy MANDRAGOLA at the Shakespeare Theater... MANDRAGOLA,
adapted by Peter Maloney, is filled not only with Machiavelli's rather
questionable wisdom, but with a surprising amount of wit... If comedy seems an
unlikely metier for Machiavelli, the action of MANDRAGOLA is of the
any-means-to-an-end variety... These days, when Machiavellian strategy is being
taken all too seriously, it's refreshing to laugh at the old boy.”
J. Wynn Rousuck, The Sun, Washington, DC
“A
naughty comedy by that great Italian Renaissance guy, Machiavelli...performed
with great flair and precision...a very funny, bawdy play...a farce about lust,
both physical and financial... A hilarious and lively visit to the streets and
gutters of 16th century Florence.”
Jane Horwitz, WTTG TV, Washington, DC
“Machiavelli's realistic and unflattering opinion of human nature, expressed
most notably in his classic The Prince, is given full voice here, but to
obvious farcial effect.”
American Theater
“In this
Renaissance sex-comedy human greed is the motor which drives the characters to
chase each other around and around during a day and a night in old Florence.”
Play Source, Theatre Communications Group
first produced by The Shakespeare Theater, Washington DC
5 M 2 F
I S B N 0-88145-415-X
$14.95