A wasted effort

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King Ferdinand of Navarre and his courtiers Byron and Dumain have sworn celibacy to dedicate themselves to their studies—until the French Princess Isabelle and her ladies-in-waiting Rosalie and Katherine captivate them at first sight.

At first, the men conceal their breach of oath from one another, but eventually, they decide to impress the ladies at a masquerade ball. There, the women cleverly switch gifts, the men embarrass themselves, and the expected comedic ending unfolds quite differently.

Shakespeare satirizes bombastic wordplay, academic schemes, and affected pathos, while celebrating nature as the victorious antagonist. The ambiguities and wit of the dialogues combine with rapid role changes, pointed repartees, and live music to create a vibrant play about love, fallibility, and human vulnerability.

The Shakespeare Company Berlin presents this rarely performed work in a modern translation by Christian Leonard—a “comedy against planning” brimming with playful energy, pace, and timeless wit.