The Duchess of Padua

The Duchess of Padua' is a play by Oscar Wilde. It is a five-act sensational tragedy set in Padua and written in a blank verse. It was composed for the female actor Mary Anderson in mid-1883 while in Paris. After she turned it down, it was deserted until its first-ever performance at the Broadway Theater in New York under the title 'Guido Ferranti' on 26 January 1891, where it ran for a long time. It has been seldom performed or studied. Guido gets a notice to meet a man in Padua concerning something concerning his parentage. When he shows up in Padua he is persuaded by a man named, Moranzone, to forsake his only friend, Ascanio, to destine himself to vindicate his father's murder committed by Simone Gesso, the Duke of Padua. Over the play, Guido observes he has become hopelessly enamored with Beatrice, the title character, and trusts his affection for her, an adoration which she returns. While heading to the bed-chamber, Guido comes across Beatrice, who herself killed the Duke so she may accompany Guido. Guido is dismayed at the transgression committed for his sake and leaves Beatrice, assuring that their affection has been spoilt. She runs away and when she comes across certain gatekeepers, she asserts that Guido killed the Duke.