A Critical Portuguese/English Edition of Anfitriao, Ou Jupiter E Alcmena/Amphitryon, or Jupiter and Alcmena : By the Eighteenth-century Portuguese Jewish Writer Antonio Jose da Silva (Critical ed.)

This translation of "Anfitriao, ou Jupiter e Alcmena" by Antonio Jose da Silva makes this remarkable play on the exploits of Jupiter and the conception of Hercules available in English for the first time.

The play is of considerable interest in literary history as part of a long tradition of stage works on the Amphitryon theme.

Since Greek times, although the earliest surviving play on the subject is Roman, dramatists have exploited the comic potential of the myth of the engendering of Hercules; Amphitryon confronts Jupiter, who has disguised himself as Amphitryon in order to beget Hercules on Amphitryon's wife, and much mistaken-identity slapstick ensues.

Silva was one of the last victims of the Inquisition in Portugal; although his play is as funny as any ever written on this theme, his treatment incorporates subtle protests against arbitrary imprisonment and unfair trials, no doubt in reference to his own experiences with the Inquisition.

This work will appeal to students of theater history and Jewish Studies, among others.