The Duchess of Malfi

John Webster, Karen Britland

• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781474295673
• eBook ISBN: 9781474295666
• Edition: 1

This new edition of Webster's macabre masterpiece is accompanied by insightful commentary notes and a detailed introductory analysis of the play written by Karen Britland, making this the perfect edition for students.

As well as the complete text of the play, this revised New Mermaid edition includes:

· A detailed plot summary and annotations throughout the text
· An annotated bibliography and suggestions for further reading
· A comprehensive introduction exploring the historical and literary contexts
· An analysis of the play in performance including recent productions inspired by the #MeToo movement as well as contemporary adaptations such as Allan Palileo's Ang Dukesa ng Malfi (set in the Philippines) and Debo Oluwatuminu's Iyalode of Eti (set in pre-colonial Yorubaland).

Webster's heroine stands out as one of the most compelling female characters on the early modern stage and, along with its exploration of familial bonds, ensures the play is as relevant today as when it was written.

The Actors’ Names

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Bosola, J. Lowin.

Ferdinand, 1 R. Burbidge. 2 J. Taylor.

Cardinal, 1 H. Cundaile. 2 R. Robinson.

5 Antonio, 1 W. Ostler. 2 R. Benfield.

Delio, J. Underwood.

Forobosco, N. Towley.

Malateste.

The Marquis of Pescara, J. Rice.

Silvio, T. Pollard.

10 The several madmen, N. Towley. J. Underwood, etc.

The Duchess, R. Sharpe.

The Cardinal’s Mistress, J. Tomson.

15 Court Officers.

Three young Children.

Two Pilgrims.

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This is the first time that a fairly complete list of actors’ names was listed in a printed playtext. Rather than being attached to a specific production, this list provides a partial snapshot of the play’s performance history, with the actors numbered ‘1’ creating the roles in 1613–14 and the actors numbered ‘2’ taking over the parts at a later date. Richard Burbage was the company’s leading actor, but, after his death in 1619, his role as Ferdinand was taken on by Joseph Taylor. Henry Condell retired from acting around 1618, and his role was reproduced by Richard Robinson, while the young William Ostler died in 1614 and his role was given to Robert Benfield. Richard Sharpe, who played the Duchess, did not join the company until 1616, so could not have acted in the early performances (Gibbons speculates that Robinson performed as the Duchess in 1613–14 before taking on the role of the Cardinal). Robert Pallant, who was not apprenticed until 1620, was also too young to have performed in the original production. The character of Forobosco, listed to be performed by Nicholas Towley (Tooley), does not appear in the play, although he is mentioned at 2.2.30. His name was perhaps changed to Castruccio (see Note on the Text). John Lowin heads the list as Bosola, taking precedence over higher-status characters. As is typical of such lists, the female characters – performed by more junior members of the company – are grouped towards the end.

[DRAMATIS PERSONAE]

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(by order of appearance)

DELIO Antonio’s friend; a courtier.

ANTONIO the Duchess’s household steward, later her husband.

BOSOLA imprisoned in the galleys for secret services done for the Cardinal; Provisor of the Horse to the Duchess; a spy for Ferdinand.

CARDINAL the Duchess’s...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-Title Page
• Series
• Title Page
• Contents
• List of Illustrations
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Further Reading
• Abbreviations
• The Duchess of Malfi
• Lineation Appendix
• Commentary Notes and Textual Notes
• Copyright