Punishment without Revenge facts for kids

Punishment without Vengeance (Castigo sin venganza) is a famous play written by the Spanish writer Lope de Vega in 1631. He was 68 years old when he wrote it. Many people think it's one of Lope de Vega's best plays ever. It's a tragedy, which means it tells a sad story with a difficult ending for the characters.

What's the Story About?

The play takes place in Ferrara, a city in Italy. It's about a powerful leader, the Duke of Ferrara, who lives a very carefree life. He has a son named Federico, but Federico was born outside of marriage, so he's called an illegitimate son. The Duke is convinced to get married and have a son who would be his official heir.

A Tricky Love Story

• The Duke sends Federico to meet his future wife, a woman named Cassandra.
• On the way, Cassandra's carriage gets stuck in a river. Federico helps her, and they fall in love!
• Meanwhile, the Duke has promised his niece, Aurora, that she can marry Federico. This would help Federico keep his important position in the Duke's court.
• Federico tries to hide his feelings for Cassandra and keeps putting off his marriage to Aurora.
• Aurora then starts to like Gonzaga, a man who came with Cassandra to Ferrara.
• Cassandra is also unhappy because the Duke is still living his carefree life, even after getting married.

A Secret and a Discovery

• The Duke leaves to fight in a war for the Pope, leaving Federico in charge.
• While the Duke is away, Federico and Cassandra finally tell each other they are in love.
• But they don't know that Aurora secretly sees them together in a mirror.
• Suddenly, the Duke comes back from the war. He has changed and is now a more serious person.
• He gets a secret letter telling him about Federico and Cassandra's forbidden love.
• At first, he doesn't believe it. But then he sees them together.

The Duke's Plan

• The Duke is very upset. He feels his honor has been badly damaged.
• He decides he can't punish them in public because it would make him look bad.
• So, he plans a secret way to get his revenge.
• He ties Cassandra up in a room and covers her.
• Then, he tells Federico that he has caught a nobleman who was plotting against him.
• The Duke asks Federico to kill this "traitor."
• Federico feels uneasy, but he obeys his father and kills the person.
• After Federico does this, the Duke calls his other leaders.
• He then accuses Federico of purposely killing Cassandra.
• The Duke orders his leaders to kill Federico, and they do.

Where Has It Been Performed?

Punishment without Vengeance is a very famous play, and it has been performed many times over the years.

In Spain

• The play has been shown in many theaters across Spain, especially in Madrid.
• It was performed at the Teatro Español several times, starting in 1919.
• It has also been performed in other cities and at different theaters like the Teatro Pavón and Teatros del Canal.
• The play was even performed as recently as 2018 at the Teatro de la Comedia in Madrid.

In the United Kingdom

• In 2014, the play was performed twice in Britain.
• One production was at the Theatre Royal Bath and the Arcola Theatre.
• Another production, performed in the original Spanish language, was at Shakespeare's Globe in London. This was a special event because it was the first time a play from Spain's "Golden Age" of theater was performed there.