Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola, disguised as a page named Cesario, enters the service of Duke Orsino, who sends her to woo Countess Olivia on his behalf. A classic love triangle ensues when Olivia falls in love with Cesario, not realizing he is actually a woman in disguise.
The play draws on themes of mistaken identity, gender confusion, and the folly of love. Its plot elements were partly inspired by Barnabe Rich's short story "Of Apollonius and Silla," which itself was based on a story by Matteo Bandello. The first documented public performance was on February 2, 1602, at Candlemas, though it was not published until its inclusion in the 1623 First Folio.
Twelfth Night remains one of Shakespeare's most beloved and frequently performed comedies. Its exploration of gender fluidity and identity has made it remarkably resonant with modern audiences, inspiring countless adaptations across film, television, and stage. The play's subtitle, "What You Will," suggests a playful openness to interpretation that has kept the work fresh for over four centuries.
