by H. D. Greaves (Author)
Mandrake Amoroso, inspired by Niccol Machiavelli's La Mandragola, is the most recent and the most unusual version of that famous (some say infamous) Italian Renaissance comedy. Amoroso in the title differentiates it from all other adaptations while emphasizing that Machiavelli's story is, after all, about a love potion.Niccol 's play uses one setting, whereas Mandrake Amoroso scatters the action all over Florence, even with an opening scene in Paris. However, this does not mean productions need expend money on elaborate sets. The entire play can be performed on a bare stage, with doors and furniture brought on and removed by crew wearing either black or period costumes. Essential production notes are found at the end of the playscript.Perhaps the most singular difference between Niccol 's 1520 original and Mandrake Amoroso is the character of Lucrezia. Over five centuries, she has developed far more wit and intelligence than she possessed in the time of Machiavelli.Like Machiavelli's 1520 original, Mandrake Amoroso by H.D. Greaves in our twenty-first century is bawdy, irreverent and profane. Above all, it is, as it has always been, outrageously funny.