Belisarius (play)

Belisarius is a historical tragedy in five acts written by the English playwright William Phillips. It was first performed at the Theatre Royal, Lincoln's Inn Fields, on 12 May 1724.

The play concerns the life of the Byzantine general Belisarius, known for his military successes under the Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD. Phillips's work explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, imperial intrigue, and the capricious nature of fortune. While historically based, the play takes liberties with the established historical record to heighten dramatic tension and provide a moral message.

The plot generally follows Belisarius's triumphs and subsequent fall from grace. He is depicted as a virtuous and selfless general, whose success earns him the envy of those at court, leading to false accusations and ultimately his imprisonment. The play culminates in a dramatic revelation of the truth, though often too late to fully restore Belisarius's reputation.

The characters in the play include:

• Belisarius: The titular character, a loyal and skilled general.
• Justinian: The Byzantine Emperor.
• Theodora: Justinian's wife, the Empress, often depicted as a powerful and manipulative figure.
• Various courtiers and conspirators who plot against Belisarius.

Belisarius reflects the theatrical conventions and moral concerns of the early 18th century. It was relatively successful upon its initial run but is not widely performed or studied today. Its historical significance lies primarily in its representation of a historical figure on the stage and its engagement with contemporary political and ethical themes.