In the splendid setting of Este Castle, the actors of teatrOrtaet stage the life of Ludovico Ariosto as it runs parallel to the unfolding of Orlando Furioso. Poor Ariosto lives a furious and difficult existence, torn between being in the service of the demanding Cardinal Ippolito d'Este and attending to his delightful literary pursuits.

The author of the famous chivalric poem is surrounded by the leading figures of his time, but also by the protagonists of his chivalric poem coming to life. Cristoforo da Messisbugo, the most famous master of ceremonies at sumptuous banquets; the controversial figure of Lucrezia Borgia; Angelo Beolco known as Ruzante has come to entertain the court with his "Villani" who speak a funny pavano; the sweet widow with whom Ariosto fell in love; and Pietro Bembo, who lays the foundations of the Italian language.