Was ihr wollt

In William Shakespeare's Was ihr wollt, a shipwreck sets in motion one of literature's most delightful comedies of mistaken identity and tangled love. When the spirited Viola survives a tempest off the coast of Illyria, she disguises herself as a young man named Cesario to navigate her new surroundings. What follows is a brilliant cascade of romantic confusion as Viola finds herself caught between Duke Orsino, who employs her as a messenger, and the beautiful Countess Olivia, who falls for her disguised persona instead of the duke she's meant to deliver love letters to. Shakespeare weaves together themes of desire, self-discovery, and the fluidity of identity with his signature wit and wordplay. The supporting cast—including the bumbling Sir Toby Belch, the scheming Maria, and the pompous steward Malvolio—adds layers of comedic chaos that elevate this beyond a simple love triangle. First performed in the early 1600s, this timeless farce reveals how love often blinds us to the truth standing right before us, yet somehow leads us exactly where we need to be. This audiobook is perfect for anyone seeking Shakespeare's most accessible and entertaining work—ideal for both newcomers to classical drama and longtime devotees of the Bard. Christoph Martin Wieland's German translation brings fresh vitality to these immortal characters and their hilarious predicaments.