Swetnam, the Woman-hater, arraigned by women A new comedie, acted at the Red Bull, by the late Queenes seruants.

The play opens with a bold chorus of women demanding justice, setting a lively, rib‑tickling stage for a battle of wits between the sexes. At its heart is Swetnam, a notorious misogynist who finds himself on trial before a court of outspoken ladies. Through sharp wordplay and exaggerated courtly pomp, the drama lampoons the pretensions of patriarchal authority while celebrating the cleverness of its female characters.

Set against the backdrop of a grieving Sicilian kingdom, the early scenes weave political intrigue with the personal grievances of a king mourning his lost heirs. As the women marshal witnesses and evidence, the audience is treated to a cascade of comic misunderstandings, witty repartee, and vivid period costumes that bring the 17th‑century stage to life. Listeners will appreciate how the humor serves both as entertainment and as a pointed commentary on gender dynamics that still resonates today.