Epicoene; Or, The Silent Woman

A bustling London household becomes the stage for a sharp‑witted comedy that skewers the marriage market of the early seventeenth century. The story opens with a wealthy, irascible gentleman determined to find a wife who will never speak, believing silence will guarantee peace and prosperity. His scheming pursuits lead him into a maze of negotiations, mistaken identities, and the meddling of a flamboyant troupe of actors.

Meanwhile, a clever and outspoken young woman, desperate to escape an unwanted match, sees an opportunity to turn the tables. As the characters clash over vows, money, and reputation, the dialogue crackles with Ben Jonson’s signature blend of classical allusion and biting satire. Listeners are treated to lively banter, clever wordplay, and a vivid portrait of London’s theatrical world, setting the stage for the tangled entanglements that follow.