History of Theatre II Unit 5 Review: England's Stage Revival

Historical Context

• Restoration period in England began in 1660 with the restoration of King Charles II to the throne after years of Puritan rule
• Puritans had banned theatre during the Interregnum period (1642-1660) viewing it as immoral and frivolous
• Charles II's return marked a significant shift in cultural attitudes and a revival of the arts, particularly theatre
• The king's patronage and personal interest in theatre encouraged its resurgence and popularity
• Restoration theatre reflected the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of the time
  • Marked by a reaction against Puritan austerity and a celebration of wit, sophistication, and libertinism
• Theatre became a central form of entertainment for the aristocracy and emerging middle class
• The period saw the introduction of new dramatic genres, such as the comedy of manners, that satirized social norms and behaviors

Key Figures and Playwrights

• Aphra Behn, one of the first professional female playwrights, known for works like "The Rover" (1677) and "Oroonoko" (1688)
  • Challenged gender norms and societal expectations through her writing and personal life
• William Wycherley, famous for his satirical comedies of manners, including "The Country Wife" (1675) and "The Plain Dealer" (1676)
• George Etherege, another notable comedy of manners playwright, known for "The Man of Mode" (1676)
• John Dryden, a prominent playwright, poet, and critic, who wrote both comedies and heroic tragedies like "All for Love" (1677)
• William Congreve, celebrated for his wit and sophisticated comedies, such as "The Way of the World" (1700)
• Thomas Otway, known for his tragic plays, including "Venice Preserved" (1682)
• Susanna Centlivre, a successful female playwright of the late Restoration period, famous for works like "The Busie Body" (1709)

Reopening of the Theatres

• King Charles II issued letters patent to two companies, the King's Company and the Duke's Company, granting them exclusive rights to perform in London
  • The King's Company was led by Thomas Killigrew and the Duke's Company by William Davenant
• The two companies initially occupied converted tennis courts as their playhouses (Gibbon's Tennis Court and Lisle's Tennis Court)
• Purpose-built theatres were later constructed, such as the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (1663) and the Dorset Garden Theatre (1671)
• The new theatres featured proscenium arches, changeable scenery, and enhanced lighting, allowing for more elaborate productions
• The monopoly of the two companies ended in 1682 with the merger of the King's and Duke's Companies into the United Company
• The reopening of the theatres attracted both aristocratic and middle-class audiences, making theatre-going a fashionable social activity

Popular Genres and Themes

• Comedy of manners emerged as a popular genre, satirizing the behavior and customs of the upper classes
  • Focused on wit, intrigue, and the pursuit of pleasure, often featuring characters like the rake and the fop
• Heroic drama, a form of tragedy, celebrated the ideals of honor, courage, and love, often set in exotic locations
  • Plays like Dryden's "The Conquest of Granada" (1670) exemplified this genre
• Restoration comedies often featured bawdy humor, sexual innuendo, and a celebration of libertinism
• Themes of marriage, infidelity, and the battle of the sexes were prevalent in comedies
• Tragedies explored themes of love, honor, and political intrigue, often inspired by classical sources or contemporary events
• Adaptations and revivals of Shakespeare's plays were also popular, though often modified to suit Restoration tastes and sensibilities

Innovations in Staging and Design

• The introduction of changeable scenery allowed for more elaborate and realistic settings
  • Painted backdrops and wings could be changed between scenes, creating a sense of location and atmosphere
• The use of the proscenium arch framed the stage and separated the audience from the action, creating a more immersive experience
• Machinery, such as trapdoors and flying devices, enabled spectacular special effects and supernatural elements
• Lighting innovations, such as the use of candles and oil lamps, enhanced the visual impact of productions
  • The introduction of the "green room" backstage allowed for the adjustment of lighting levels
• Costumes became more elaborate and historically accurate, reflecting the growing interest in realism and spectacle
• The Restoration stage saw the introduction of the "apron stage," an extension of the stage into the audience, allowing for greater interaction between actors and spectators

Role of Women in Theatre

• The Restoration period marked the first time women were allowed to perform on the English stage
  • Previously, female roles had been played by young male actors
• The introduction of actresses brought a new level of realism and sensuality to the stage
  • Actresses like Nell Gwyn, Elizabeth Barry, and Anne Bracegirdle became celebrities and fashion icons
• The presence of women on stage also led to the development of new dramatic roles and character types, such as the witty heroine and the "gay couple"
• Female playwrights, like Aphra Behn and Susanna Centlivre, emerged during this period, challenging gender norms and societal expectations
• The inclusion of women in theatre reflected changing attitudes towards gender roles and female agency in Restoration society
• However, actresses also faced criticism and moral condemnation from some quarters, who viewed their profession as a threat to social order and propriety

Social and Political Influences

• The Restoration period was marked by a complex interplay of social, political, and cultural forces
• The return of Charles II and the restoration of the monarchy brought a sense of stability and optimism after years of political upheaval
• The court of Charles II was known for its libertinism, wit, and patronage of the arts, which influenced the tone and content of Restoration theatre
• The rise of the middle class and the growth of London as a commercial center led to a more diverse and socially mobile audience for theatre
• Political rivalries and intrigues, such as the Exclusion Crisis (1679-1681), were often reflected in the themes and allegories of Restoration plays
• The Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw the overthrow of James II and the ascension of William and Mary, marked a shift towards more sentimental and moralistic themes in theatre
• The Restoration period also saw the emergence of new ideas about social behavior, fashion, and etiquette, which were both celebrated and satirized on the stage

Legacy and Impact

• Restoration theatre had a lasting impact on the development of English drama and literature
• The comedy of manners genre influenced later playwrights, such as Oliver Goldsmith and Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and continues to be a staple of the theatrical repertoire
• The works of Restoration playwrights, such as Wycherley, Congreve, and Behn, are still performed and studied today for their wit, social commentary, and historical significance
• The introduction of women on stage paved the way for greater female participation in theatre and the arts more broadly
• Restoration theatre's emphasis on wit, sophistication, and social satire influenced the development of the English novel in the 18th century
• The period's innovations in staging, design, and special effects laid the foundation for the spectacular productions of the 18th and 19th centuries
• Restoration theatre's legacy can be seen in the enduring popularity of plays that explore themes of love, marriage, and social mores, and in the continued fascination with the period's colorful characters and personalities