Adam Gainesrsquo; first collection of one-act plays covers such topics as: mental illness; assisted suicide; obesity; and the varying aspects of a relationship: missed connections; breakups; and meet-cutes with wit and from a unique point-of-view. The conversations found in these virtual pages will both entertain and engage. If the name Adam Gaines isnt familiar to you yet; it will be very soon - on the stage; page; and both big and small screens.
#4476688 in eBooks 2012-11-27 2012-11-27File Name: B00ECY1CVQ
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Notable for Its Surprise Ending - Has Not Perhaps Weathered As Well as Volpone; The Alchemist; or Bartholomew FairBy Michael WischmeyerBen Jonsons Epicoene; or The Silent Woman; was first staged in late 1609; or early 1610. Epicoene is difficult to characterize. It is essentially a comedy with an element of sexual wit; and yet it has a surprise ending; one that is markedly non-comedic and leaves a bitter taste. Despite the sharp ending; the surprising twist in the final scene is critical to Jonsons play and I strongly suggest you avoid any discussion of the plot until after your first reading of Epicoene.In general; I had less empathy for the upper class characters in Epicoene than I did for Jonsons lower class; bawdy rogues that populate The Alchemist and Bartholomews Fair. The characters in Epicoene are not terribly disagreeable; they are largely dilettantes that have little concern for morality or ethics. For example; the character Truewit; speaking of some promiscuous ladies who live apart from their husbands; says: "Why; all their actions are governed by crude opinion; without reason or cause; they know not why they do anything; but as they are informed; believe; judge; praise; condemn; love; hate; and in emulation of one another; do all these things alike."I had difficulty understanding the intent of some dialogue on my first reading. My second reading was much easier; perhaps helped a bit by my now knowing the unexpected ending.Epicoene was staged frequently for nearly 150 years; but its popularity declined after about 1750. Apparently; performances in 1752 and 1776 and 1784 were unsuccessful; and it did not reappear until 1895. There were few performances in twentieth century.I recommend the New Mermaids edition (ISBN 0393900401) edited by Roger Holdsworth; there have been multiple printings and it should not be difficult to find a copy. The footnotes are quite helpful. The introduction is lengthy; almost 50 pages. There is also an appendix containing the plays music and some of Jonsons classical sources.Another source: Epicoene is often included in collections of Ben Jonsons plays; like the inexpensive World Classics edition published by Oxford University Press.Epicoene or Epicene? Both versions are found. And Jonsons play also goes by the title; The Silent Woman. Good luck in your title searches2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Violence! Cross-dressing! Impotence!By AvalonSilverAll are to be found in "Epicoene;" an extremely funny if slightly dark Ben Jonson play. I dont want to give much of a summary because I dont want to reveal any plot twists; but it begins with the common Renaissance theme of men looking for wives . . . and chaos ensues. I am very fond of the New Mermaids edition because it includes very interesting and relevant information about original staging and such. This play is a good starting place for non-Jonson fans; this edition is a good one for Jonson scholars. Reccomended.