The Alchemist, Shakespeare Theatre

The Alchemist by Ben Jonson

The Alchemist is a happy farce about con artists, who were rife in London at the time that the play was first performed in 1610. The play left the audience feeling happy.

Of course, here in Washington, we see political con artists every day, so we are accustomed to their misdeeds, although the con artists of today are more malevolent than the ones depicted in the play.

History and summary of the play, and a photo set of this production.