Amadeus is a play in two acts, the action of which takes place in Vienna in November 1823 and, in recall, in the decade 1781-1791. In the court of Emperor Joseph II, Antonio Salieri has dedicated his life and his work to God in the hope of becoming a great composer, but has achieved only what he considers mediocrity. The arrival of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, an irreverent, juvenile, foul-mouthed young man who composes beautiful music with insolent ease, drives Salieri to murderous distraction. He sets himself against Mozart and ultimately against the God whose favor he petitioned years before. Because of the sophisticated and adult nature of its subject matter, Amadeus is not recommended for viewing by children.