The Twelfth Night is a play written by William Shakespeare, believed to have been

written around 1601. It is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love, mistaken
identity, and the topsy-turvy nature of human relationships. The play is set in the
fictional kingdom of Illyria and follows the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are
separated in a shipwreck. Viola disguises herself as a young man, Cesario, and
enters the service of Duke Orsino, becoming the intermediary in his pursuit of the
countess Olivia. Meanwhile, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, leading to a series of
comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. The subplot involves the
antics of Olivia’s steward, Malvolio, who becomes the unwitting victim of a prank
orchestrated by Olivia’s household.
The play is known for its festive and carnival-like atmosphere, often associated with
the traditions of the Twelfth Night holiday in which people gather on January 5 (the
12th day of Christmas) and celebrate. It is also celebrated for its exploration of the
fluidity of gender roles and the unpredictability of love.
Notable film adaptations of The Twelfth Night include the 1996 version directed by
Trevor Nunn and the 2018 film All Is True, directed by Kenneth Branagh. These
adaptations capture the play’s humor and romantic charm, emphasizing its enduring
appeal.
The play is divided into various plots and subplots, all woven together with immense
skill to ultimately compose a single pattern or tapestry. The main groups of
characters include the ducal nobility of Illyria, the shipwrecked personages centering
on Viola and Sebastian, the merry group of pranksters, gullers, and tricksters led by
Sir Toby Belch and Maria, and Malvolio, Lady Olivia’s puritanical steward.

The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular, lightest, and most musical of all his
comedies, and its staging continues to delight audiences all over the world.