La sposa di Mènecle: Comedia in un prologo e tre atti, con note

Set in bustling ancient Athens, the comedy opens with a courtroom scene where a young orphan, adopted by the wealthy Mènecle, finds his claim to the inheritance challenged by the deceased’s brother. The dispute hinges on whether the adoption was a genuine act of friendship or a clever scheme to secure a line of heirs for an aging man who feared dying childless. Through lively testimony and spirited speeches, the play introduces a cast of characters—loyal friends, scheming relatives, and a determined sister—each adding their own flavor to the legal tangle.

Beyond the legal jargon, the work thrives on witty banter and the absurdities of Athenian customs. The prologue frames the drama as a mock‑trial, inviting listeners to savor the clever rhetoric and the playful satire of honor, family duty, and the lengths people will go to protect their legacy. Even as the first act unfolds, the audience is treated to a sparkling blend of humor and insight into classical law and human ambition.