Brutus of Alba (play)

Brutus of Alba is a largely lost or fragmentary play from the English Renaissance. Its existence is primarily known through Philip Henslowe's diary, a crucial source of information about theatrical activity in London during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The diary records payments made to playwrights for the creation of this play, suggesting it was commissioned for performance.

While the exact details regarding the authorship, content, and staging of Brutus of Alba are unclear due to the scarcity of surviving materials, the title itself provides clues. "Brutus of Alba" likely refers to Brutus of Troy, a legendary figure in British history. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae, Brutus was a descendant of Aeneas and the founder and first king of Britain, establishing his kingdom at "New Troy," later known as London. Alba refers to Alba Longa, an ancient city in Latium, Italy, from which Brutus was said to have originated.

Therefore, the play likely dramatized the story of Brutus's journey from Alba Longa, his travels, and his eventual founding of Britain. It would have presented a mythical account of the nation's origins, reflecting the contemporary fascination with national identity and historical legends.

The names of playwrights associated with the play in Henslowe's diary include Thomas Heywood, Michael Drayton, John Webster, and possibly others. The collaborative nature of playwriting was common during this period. The contributions of each playwright to Brutus of Alba are currently unknown.

The play is a significant example of the many theatrical works that have been lost to time. While its specific content remains a mystery, its title and associated playwrights suggest its potential importance in the theatrical landscape of the English Renaissance and in the exploration of British national identity.