George Bernard Shaw's Cymbeline Refinished is a variation on William Shakespeare's classic play, Cymbeline. In this version, Shaw re-imagines the ending of the play, giving it a more modern twist. The story follows the same basic plot as the original, with the exiled King Cymbeline and his daughter Imogen, who is in love with the banished Posthumus. Posthumus is falsely accused of treason and banished from the kingdom. Imogen disguises herself as a man and sets out to find him. Along the way, she encounters a variety of characters, including the villainous Iachimo, who attempts to seduce her. In Shaw's version, the ending is much different than the original. Posthumus is not killed, but instead is reunited with Imogen and the two are married. Cymbeline is restored to the throne and Iachimo is punished for his crimes. The play ends with a celebration of the reunited family and a new era of peace and prosperity for the kingdom.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1936 · Genre: Drama, Classical Literature, Romance