existence of two sets of twins in the same town causes a number of confusions and mistakes about their identities, until the end, where the family is reunited and peace restored.
             Before the play began, Ross Skiffington, an 'illusionist', entertained audiences with magical acts, while they were being seated. Once the audience lighting was darkened, the play began with the illusionist appearing, once again, on the stage. He performs another one of his magical acts when the Duke arrives onstage with his party. Thus, from the outset, the idea of illusion is established as a major paradigm of the play. This idea is further extended to that of appearance and concealment. All the characters involved in the illusionary acts wear masks throughout the play. They also appear mysteriously at the change of scenes, and later as witch doctors. This raises the question of why they wore these masks. Was it to elaborate the idea of illusion? The Duke also comes in wearing sunglasses. Most of the actors wear heavy, obvious make-up in the play. Comparing their made-up faces to their photographs in the foyer, most of the actors look virtually unrecognisable in the play. Most of the characters had colored hair or wigs of some kind. Thus, this builds on the play's message that appearances are deceiving. Furthermore, it establishes the idea of concealment, as opposed to the accessibility of all the stage action to audience members.
             The stage in the Playhouse is rectangular, set back from the audience. The layout of the stage suggests openness and accessibility. Nothing is hidden or out of the audience's sight. Furthermore, almost all the action taking place in the play is enacted onstage, so the audience experiences firsthand how such disastrous mistakes could be possible. There is a unity of time and place in the play, with all the action occurring within a day in the same town. All the action unfolds in front of the audience. The audience is aware ...