One of William Shakespeare's plays that refers to the date of Epiphany is "Twelfth Night." This comedy, believed to have been written around 1601, takes its name from the twelfth night after Christmas, which is traditionally celebrated as the Feast of the Epiphany. In the play, the character Malvolio mentions the date of Epiphany when he reads the letter that he believes to be from his beloved Olivia.

"Twelfth Night" is a tale of mistaken identity, love triangles, and comedic misunderstandings. The play follows the story of Viola, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario in order to serve the Duke Orsino. However, complications arise when Viola/Cesario falls in love with the Duke, who is in love with Olivia, who in turn falls in love with Viola/Cesario. The confusion and hilarity that ensue make "Twelfth Night" one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies.

Throughout the play, references to the date of Epiphany add depth to the story and provide a sense of timing and significance to the events that unfold. The Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. It falls on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas, and marks the end of the Christmas season.

For more information on "Twelfth Night" and its references to Epiphany, you can visit the Folger Shakespeare Library's website at https://www.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/twelfth-night. The Folger Shakespeare Library is a renowned research institution that houses the world's largest collection of Shakespeare materials and provides valuable resources for scholars, students, and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, "Twelfth Night" is a classic Shakespearean play that cleverly incorporates the date of Epiphany into its storyline. The themes of love, mistaken identity, and comedic chaos make this play a timeless favorite among audiences of all ages. So, if you're looking for a delightful comedy with a touch of holiday spirit, be sure to check out "Twelfth Night" and discover the magic of Shakespeare's storytelling.

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