Lorenzaccio

Lorenzaccio is a romantic drama in five acts by Alfred de Musset, published in 1834 and first staged in 1896. Set in Florence in 1537, the work follows Lorenzo de’ Medici, who deliberately enters the corrupt circle surrounding Duke Alessandro de’ Medici in order to gain his confidence and assassinate him; the hoped-for political change does not, however, take place after the murder. The play combines political intrigue, an identity crisis, idealism and the limits of individual action.