In Messina a merry war of insults hides the true affection between Beatrice and Benedick two of the sharpest wits in Shakespeares canon While their friends conspire to trick them into love a more malicious plot threatens to ruin the reputation of the innocent Hero The play deftly balances high comedy with near-tragedy exploring the dangers of hearsay and the fragility of honor It is a sparkling examination of the social games men and women play t...