Family of Love

arts, performing, comedy, fiction, drama · EN

Step into the world of Family of Love, an intriguing early Jacobean city comedy that first graced the stage in 1608. Although originally published anonymously, this play has historically been linked to notable playwrights Thomas Middleton and Thomas Dekker, but recent scholarship points to Lording Barry as its likely sole author. The play cleverly satirizes the salacious reputation of the Familists, a religious sect founded by Henry Nicholis in the 16th century. Maria finds herself in love with Gerardine, but her uncle Glister, a physician, stands in the way of their happiness. In an elaborate ruse, Gerardine pretends to embark on a long voyage, leaving behind a trunk that holds more than just his belongings—he is hiding inside! Amidst this romantic entanglement, Glister himself is embroiled in infidelity with the Familist wife of Purge the apothecary. Meanwhile, two foolish gallants, Gudgeon and Lipsalve, are determined to seduce every woman in sight and gain entry to the notorious Fa