Showing results for "Ben Jonson" in Drama & Plays

This is a bitter, satiric comedy which concerns a wealthy, lecherous old man who pretends to be dying in order to profit from his greedy acquaintances.

Following the success of Jonsons Every Man In His Humour, Every Man Out of His Humour presents a delightful blend of satire and wit. While its plot may seem light, it serves as a vibrant caricature of the societal norms of Jonsons time, delivered through sharp dialogue and a fierce sense of indignation at literary pretensions. This play elevates the art of dramatic satire, drawing inspiration from the classical ideals of comedy and echoing the brilliance of Aristophanes. Prepare for a captivating exploration of character and humor that remains timeless.

An outbreak of plague in London forces a gentleman, Lovewit, to flee temporarily to the country, leaving his house under the sole charge of his butler, Jeremy. Jeremy uses the opportunity given to him to use the house as the headquarters for fraudulent acts. He transforms himself into "Captain Face", and enlists the aid of Subtle, a fellow conman and Dol Common, a prostitute. In The Alchemist, Jonson unashamedly satirizes the follies, vanities and vices of mankind, most notably greed-induced credulity. People of all social classes are subject to Jonson's ruthless, satirical wit.