"The Spanish Golden Age celebrated one of the most dynamic, energetic and stylish periods of world drama which exploded onto the stages of Madrid at the turn of the seventeenth century. It was a decisive period in world drama, similar to the periods of great national drama which occurred in seventeenth century London and fifth century Athens. The Spanish Golden Age was big business - professional, commercial theatre with plays touring all over Spain and Europe Lope de Vega was one of the Spanish Golden Age's best known playwrights. In his classic The Dog in the Manger, Diana, Countess of Belfor, a beautiful and headstrong young woman, is beset by aristocratic suitors urging marriage but refuses them all. One-night she discovers her handsome young secretary seducing her favourite lady in waiting and is consumed with jealousy. A heartbreaking love triangle is forged and so begins a tale of forbidden love, envy and passion. The Dog in the Manger is a painful and hilarious comedy for anyone who has ever fallen in love with someone they shouldn't have."

Translated by: David Johnston