Silver Age
by Thomas Heywood

Name: Silver Age
Author: Thomas Heywood

The Silver Age is a play by Thomas Heywood that retells classic Greek myths, weaving together the story of Jupiter's love for Alcmena, resulting in the birth of Hercules, and the abduction of Proserpine. The play borrows heavily from the story of Amphitryon, a comedic tale of mistaken identity and divine intervention. The play's concluding act features a dramatic 'arraignment of the moon,' a scene that may have been intended for a more elaborate theatrical presentation.

'Silver Age' Summary

The Silver Age follows the tumultuous love affair between the Roman god Jupiter and the mortal woman Alcmena, culminating in the birth of the demigod Hercules. Jupiter's manipulations and disguises lead to a series of comical misunderstandings, echoing the themes of Plautus's Amphitryon. The play also includes the abduction of Proserpine by Pluto, a scene that reinforces the themes of power and divine intervention. The play ends with the 'arraignment of the moon', a dramatic confrontation that may have been a centerpiece of the original theatrical performance. Through a blend of myth, humor, and theatrical spectacle, The Silver Age explores the complexities of love, power, and fate in the context of ancient Greek mythology.