Madness in Valencia facts for kids
Madness in Valencia (which means "Los Locos de Valencia" in Spanish) is a fun play from Spain's Golden Age. It was written by a famous playwright named Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio around 1590-1595. The story is about two young people who are in trouble. One is running from the army, and the other is escaping a strict father. To hide, they both pretend to be mad and find safety in a special hospital in Valencia.
Story of the Play
Floriano gets into serious trouble after a duel where Prince Reinero is hurt. He has to run away to Valencia. To help him, his best friend Valerio disguises Floriano as a philosopher named Beltran. Valerio says Beltran went mad from too much love and studying. So, Floriano, pretending to be Beltran, is taken to the famous Valencia asylum.
Meanwhile, Erifila has escaped her very controlling father. He wanted her to marry someone she didn't like. She convinced her servant, Leonato, that she loved him and wanted to run away together. But Leonato realized she didn't truly love him. He took her belongings and left her alone outside Valencia. Dr. Pisano found Erifila there. The doctor thought she was mad and took her to the asylum, where Floriano already was.
Inside the asylum, Floriano is first noticed by Laida, who works there, and then by Fedra, the administrator's niece. Both women quickly fall in love with Floriano and try to win his attention. However, Floriano and Erifila also meet and feel an instant connection. They are both careful because they think the other person is truly mad. But they still fall deeply in love. Valerio tells Floriano that he has also fallen in love with Erifila.
An army officer arrives at the asylum. He is looking for the person who hurt the prince and has a picture of him. Floriano and Erifila work together to grab the picture and trick the officer. This helps them avoid being caught.
Laida pretends to be mad to get Floriano's attention. Fedra also pretends to be mad when she hears her father wants her to marry someone else and leave the asylum. Dr. Pisano decides to arrange a fake wedding to calm Fedra's "madness." The pretend wedding is planned. Erifila finds out about the wedding and gets very jealous. She confronts Floriano and promises to get revenge. Floriano tries to explain that the marriage is just a trick to "cure" Fedra. Valerio returns to the asylum, pretending to be one of Erifila's relatives. He says he wants to take her home. Erifila plays along to get back at Floriano.
A gentleman arrives in Valencia and meets Dr. Pisano and the people in the asylum. He is invited to watch the fake wedding. But Erifila interrupts the wedding, running from Valerio. She declares her love for Floriano. However, Floriano pretends he really married Fedra. Erifila immediately gets her revenge by telling everyone that Floriano is the one who hurt Prince Reinero. Floriano is arrested.
But the gentleman has some surprising news that leads to a happy ending. Floriano and Erifila are reunited. Valerio and Fedra also become a couple. All the couples then leave the asylum to get married.
Notable Productions
This play has been performed by famous theater groups. The Royal Shakespeare Company put on the play in 2001. The Gate Theatre also had a production in 1992.
Characters
Main Characters
- Floriano: He pretends to be mad to avoid trouble after hurting a prince.
- Erifila: She is from a rich family. Her father wants her to marry someone she doesn't like. She runs away with a servant, who then takes her things. The hospital staff find her and think she is mad.
- Valerio: Floriano's best friend.
- Prince Reinero: The prince who gets hurt in a duel.
- Leonato: Erifila's servant.
- Fedra and Laida: Women at the asylum who fall for Floriano.
Other Characters
There are also other characters like Martin, Belardo, Calandrio, Verino, Pisano, Tomas, Mordacho, Gerardo, and Liberto.
See also
In Spanish: Los locos de Valencia para niños
