Podcast Summary: "The Duchess of Malfi" – Not Just the Tudors

Episode Title: The Duchess of Malfi
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Guest: Dr. Will Tosh, Theatre Historian and Director of Education at Shakespeare's Globe

Introduction

In this episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into John Webster's seminal Jacobean tragedy, "The Duchess of Malfi." Joined by Dr. Will Tosh, a renowned theatre historian, the discussion explores the play's enduring significance, its intricate portrayal of female agency, and the innovative theatrical techniques that brought it to life in the early 17th century.

Plot Overview

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [03:04] begins by setting the stage for listeners unfamiliar with the play:

"This is a story of defiance, of a young widow standing against the expectations of her family. A woman striving for love and agency in a society which demands she claim neither."

Dr. Will Tosh [05:20] provides a comprehensive recap:

"It's a story based on a real incident, a real kind of scandal from very early 16th century Italy...She forms a relationship with her steward, Antonio Bologna...they keep the marriage secret until it's discovered by a spy, leading to their tragic downfall."

The narrative follows the Duchess of Malfi as she defies her brothers' societal expectations by remarrying, ultimately leading to her and her family's demise. The play culminates in a cascade of deaths, including those of the Duchess, her lover, and her oppressive brothers, leaving only a young child to inherit the duchy.

Historical Context and Setting

Professor Lipscomb [08:44] and Dr. Tosh [11:13] discuss the play's Italian setting and its reflection of contemporary England's sentiments towards Catholicism:

"Catholicism foreignness has become a kind of theatrical shorthand for moral decay." — Professor Lipscomb [11:18]

Dr. Tosh elaborates on how the Italian backdrop allowed playwrights to explore scandalous and aristocratic tales without directly implicating English society:

"Sort of Italianate stories find their way into English popular culture...about important rich people doing terrible things, but they're not domestic." — Dr. Tosh [08:44]

This setting resonated with English audiences wary of Catholic Europe, allowing for moral commentary under the guise of foreign drama.

Reception and Legacy

Professor Lipscomb [11:49] probes into the play's initial reception, to which Dr. Tosh responds:

"We have a really good indication that it does well on its first arrival...it's performed at the Blackfriars Theatre and the Globe Theatre." — Dr. Tosh [11:59]

The play enjoyed popularity from its debut in 1614 through the Restoration period and into the modern era, resurging particularly in the 20th century as theatre traditions evolved.

Female Characters and Gender Roles

The discussion emphasizes the centrality of the Duchess as a strong female protagonist in early modern theatre. Dr. Tosh [14:22] notes:

"Not uncommon...plays like Antony and Cleopatra or Macbeth feature powerful female centers." — Dr. Tosh

Professor Lipscomb [14:12] asks about the rarity of such characters:

"How common was it in early modern theatre to see a female character as the driving force of a play's event?"

Dr. Tosh [14:22] responds affirmatively, highlighting the Duchess's role as part of a broader trend celebrating virtuous female authority, possibly reflecting societal nostalgia for Queen Elizabeth's reign amidst early King James's unpopular rule.

Performance Aspects and Actors

A fascinating aspect covered is the portrayal of the Duchess by boy actors, as women were not permitted on the stage during this period. Dr. Tosh [23:02] shares:

"One of the early duchesses was a boy called Richard Sharp...They were very talented boy actors."

This practice required exceptional skill, allowing young male actors to embody complex female characters convincingly, adding layers to the play's performance dynamics.

Lighting and Staging

Perhaps one of the most intriguing discussions revolves around the innovative use of lighting in early 17th-century theatre. Professor Lipscomb [25:24] and Dr. Tosh [28:00] explore how candlelight and the architecture of indoor theatres like the Blackfriars influenced the play's atmosphere.

Notable insights include:

• Candlelight as Dramatic Tool: The use of candles allowed for nuanced lighting, enabling scenes of darkness and light to reflect the play's emotional and psychological states.

  "Actors can hold candles, candelabra or torches...creating a wholly different atmosphere." — Dr. Tosh [25:56]

• Stagecraft Innovations: Webster's exploration of light and dark on stage prefigured modern lighting design, enhancing the storytelling by visually representing the characters' turmoil.

  "Webster is one of a number of playwrights...who is clearly, theatrically, really interested in what you could do with light and dark as a dramaturgical tool." — Dr. Tosh [29:49]

Emotional Impact and Enduring Power

The play's lasting resonance is attributed to its deep exploration of human emotions and societal norms. Professor Lipscomb [50:57] poses a poignant question:

"Why do you think this play in particular has retained its emotional power, its emotional impact over the centuries?"

Dr. Tosh [51:25] responds by highlighting the universal themes captured by Webster:

"The human experiences of sexual desire, of envy, of ambition, of fear, of hope...were caught and explored and staged in a particularly vibrant and exciting way." — Dr. Tosh

He further explains that the play's inclusion in the canon and its continuous reinterpretation by modern artists have kept its themes relevant and powerful.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Professor Lipscomb reflects on the transformative experience of staging "The Duchess of Malfi" using original theatrical practices, noting the fresh perspectives it offers to contemporary audiences.

"There's much to gain from staging a play according to original practices...asking it to make meaning today." — Dr. Tosh [47:26]

The episode underscores the play's profound impact on theatre history, its bold portrayal of female authority, and the innovative techniques that have helped "The Duchess of Malfi" remain a cornerstone of Jacobean drama.

Notable Quotes

• Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [03:04]:
  "This is a story of defiance, of a young widow standing against the expectations of her family."

• Dr. Will Tosh [05:20]:
  "She forms a relationship with her steward, Antonio Bologna...they keep the marriage secret until it's discovered by a spy, leading to their tragic downfall."

• Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [11:13]:
  "Catholicism foreignness has become a kind of theatrical shorthand for moral decay."

• Dr. Will Tosh [14:22]:
  "Not uncommon...plays like Antony and Cleopatra or Macbeth feature powerful female centers."

• Dr. Will Tosh [23:02]:
  "One of the early duchesses was a boy called Richard Sharp...They were very talented boy actors."

• Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [20:11]:
  "But in the end, spoiler, the play feels like it adheres to the same sort of narrative we get in Othello..."

• Dr. Will Tosh [51:25]:
  "The human experiences of sexual desire, of envy, of ambition, of fear, of hope...were caught and explored and staged in a particularly vibrant and exciting way."

Final Thoughts

"The Duchess of Malfi" stands as a testament to the enduring power of early modern drama, intricately weaving personal tragedy with broader societal critiques. Through insightful discussion, Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Tosh illuminate the play's multifaceted legacy, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of its place in theatrical history.

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