First written and performed in London, England in 1607, Antony and Cleopatra is one of William Shakespeare’s longest and best-known works. It is a historical drama, depicting several political and military conflicts between leaders in the first century, B.C., and centering around the tempestuous relationship between Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, and Roman general Mark Antony.
Shakespeare’s earlier play, Julius Caesar, ends in victory for Octavius, Lepidus, and Antony, who defeat Caesar's assassins and divide the world between themselves. Antony and Cleopatra picks up the story years later. In the course of the play, the three-member alliance, called the triumvirate, will fall apart. The...
