Globe Education Online

Jane Arnfield and Mark Rylance. Photo: John Tramper

Hang there like fruit my soul, Till the tree die!

 5.6.263-264

King Cymbeline has imprisoned his daughter, Imogen, and banished her husband, Posthumus, because he wished her to marry her step-brother, Cloten. Before leaving, Posthumus gives Imogen a bracelet to remind her of his love for her. When in exile Posthumus lays a wager on Imogen's chastity with his villainous friend Iachimo, who is determined to prove that she will be unfaithful. Imogen is not seduced by his charms, but while she is sleeping, Iachimo steals the bracelet from her wrist. He presents it to Posthumus and so convinces him that Imogen has been unfaithful. Imogen escapes to Wales, disguised as a boy, to find Posthumus, and is followed by Cloten, who disguises himself as her husband. Confusion escalates before a divine power intervenes and all is revealed ...

Creative Team

Master of Play: Mike Alfreds
Master of Clothing and Properties: Jenny Tiramani
Master of Music: Cliare van Kampen

Cast

Jane Arnfield - Imogen
Richard Hope - Cymbeline/Jupiter/Jailer
Fergus O'Donnell - Pisanio/Philario/Polydore/Caius Lucius
John Ramm - Iachimo/Morgan
Mark Rylance - Posthumus/Cloten/Cornelius
Abigail Thaw - Queen/Cadwal/Philharmonus

Discover the Play

Discover the actors' experiences making the production in Adopt An Actor:

Mark Rylance as Posthumus

Cymbeline was performed in 2001, as part of the Celtic Season.