Obsessed with a pot of gold, that’s Warenar in a nutshell. This play, co-written by P.C. Hooft and Samuel Coster in 1617, tells a story that still resonates today. Warenar is not just any play. It’s a comedy that delves into the depths of human obsession.
The tale unfolds around Warenar. He is an Amsterdammer who discovers a pot of gold buried by his grandfather. This discovery isn’t a blessing. It’s a curse. Warenar becomes consumed by fear. He fears someone will steal his precious hoard. He lives in self-imposed poverty. He dares not spend any of his treasure. He thinks people will assume he is rich if he does.
Adding to Warenar’s troubles, his daughter Claartje is pregnant. She is pregnant by Ritsert. Ritsert is a young man who is a bit of a rake. To complicate matters even further, Rijckert, Warenar’s neighbor, wants to marry Claartje. Warenar suspects Rijckert is after his gold. This suspicion fuels his paranoia. He becomes increasingly strange. His odd behavior draws unwanted attention to himself.
Lecker, Rijckert’s servant, spots Warenar burying the pot in a cemetery. Lecker steals the pot to pay off gambling debts. Warenar’s worst fear comes true. The theft is discovered when Ritsert bumps into Lecker. Lecker is carrying the hidden pot. Warenar has a change of heart. He gives the gold to his daughter. She marries Ritsert. Warenar’s obsession ends.
Warenar isn’t merely a translation. It’s a reimagining. Hooft and Coster adapted Plautus’ Aulularia to reflect Amsterdam life. The play features Amsterdam characters. They offer a comedic contrast to the fixated Warenar. The writers also had to create an ending. Plautus’ Aulularia only had the first four acts.
Interestingly, Hooft himself wasn’t particularly fond of Warenar. Yet, it became one of the most beloved plays of the Dutch Golden Age. The story’s themes are timeless. The play explores wealth and poverty. It examines social issues. It delves into family dynamics. It holds a mirror to the audience.
The character of Warenar isn’t simply a miser. He is a tragicomic figure. His unexpected discovery throws him into disarray. He becomes completely captivated by the treasure. In the end, he relinquishes his treasure. It wasn’t greed that bound him. It was obsession. Some say the play subtly promotes moderation. It echoes a Renaissance ideal. A balanced life is best.
So, remember Warenar. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the things we crave can end up owning us. The next time you pass by here, think of Warenar’s pot of gold. Consider the price he paid for his obsession.