Intro to Theatre Arts Unit 4 Review: Restoration & 18th Century Theatre

Historical Context

• Restoration period began in 1660 with the restoration of the British monarchy under King Charles II following the English Civil War and Interregnum
• Marked a significant shift in theatrical practices and styles compared to the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras
• Theaters that had been closed during the Puritan rule were reopened, leading to a resurgence in dramatic productions
• Rise of the professional actress as women were allowed to perform on stage for the first time in England
• Influence of French theater and culture became prominent, as Charles II had spent his exile in France
• Theater became more closely associated with the aristocracy and the court, catering to their tastes and sensibilities
• 18th century saw a gradual shift towards more sentimental and moralistic plays, reflecting changing social values

Key Playwrights and Works

• William Congreve known for his witty and satirical comedies of manners (The Way of the World, Love for Love)
• John Dryden, the first Poet Laureate of England, wrote both comedies and heroic tragedies (All for Love, Marriage à la Mode)
• Aphra Behn, one of the first professional female playwrights, challenged social norms with her works (The Rover, Oroonoko)
• George Etherege's plays epitomized the Restoration comedy style (The Man of Mode, She Would If She Could)
• William Wycherley's comedies were known for their bawdy humor and social satire (The Country Wife, The Plain Dealer)
• Richard Brinsley Sheridan's plays in the late 18th century marked a transition towards more sentimental comedies (The School for Scandal, The Rivals)
• Oliver Goldsmith's plays blended comedy with social commentary (She Stoops to Conquer, The Good-Natur'd Man)

Theatrical Styles and Genres

• Comedy of manners became the dominant genre during the Restoration period, characterized by witty dialogue, social satire, and sophisticated characters
• Heroic drama, a type of tragedy featuring larger-than-life characters and themes of honor and love, gained popularity in the early Restoration period
• Sentimental comedy emerged in the 18th century, focusing on evoking emotions and promoting moral values
• Ballad opera, a form that incorporated popular songs into the narrative, became popular in the 18th century (The Beggar's Opera by John Gay)
• Pantomime, a type of theatrical entertainment featuring music, dance, and mime, developed during the 18th century
• Burlesque, a comic style that parodied serious works or genres, gained popularity in the late 18th century
• Melodrama, characterized by exaggerated emotions, clear-cut moral distinctions, and sensational plots, emerged towards the end of the 18th century

Performance Techniques

• Actors employed a more naturalistic acting style compared to the stylized performances of earlier eras
• Emphasis on clear and expressive vocal delivery, as plays relied heavily on witty dialogue and repartee
• Gestures and movements became more refined and subtle, reflecting the aristocratic manners of the time
• Asides and soliloquies were used to reveal characters' inner thoughts and feelings directly to the audience
• Ensemble acting became more prevalent, with actors working together to create a cohesive performance
• Improvisation was sometimes employed, particularly in comedic roles, to engage with the audience and respond to their reactions
• Physical comedy and slapstick were used to generate laughter and enliven performances

Set Design and Stagecraft

• Proscenium arch stage became the standard design, separating the audience from the actors and creating an illusion of a self-contained world
• Painted backdrops and wings were used to create a sense of depth and perspective on stage
• Elaborate set pieces, such as balconies, staircases, and furniture, were incorporated to create realistic interior settings
• Machinery, such as trapdoors and flying systems, allowed for special effects and quick scene changes
• Lighting techniques improved with the introduction of candles and oil lamps, allowing for greater control over the stage's brightness and atmosphere
• Costumes became more elaborate and historically accurate, reflecting the fashions of the time or the play's setting
• Sound effects, such as thunder sheets and wind machines, were used to enhance the atmosphere and create a sense of realism

Social and Political Influences

• Theater reflected the libertine values and hedonistic lifestyle of the Restoration court, often celebrating wit, pleasure, and sexual intrigue
• Plays often satirized social conventions, marriage, and gender roles, challenging traditional norms and expectations
• Political allegories and references to contemporary events were common, allowing playwrights to comment on issues of the day
• Rise of the middle class and their increasing influence on theater led to a shift towards more sentimental and moralistic plays in the 18th century
• Theater served as a forum for public discourse and debate, with plays often sparking conversations about social, political, and moral issues
• Censorship and government regulation of theater increased throughout the period, with the Licensing Act of 1737 requiring official approval for new plays
• Playwrights and actors faced challenges navigating the changing social and political landscape while still entertaining audiences

Notable Actors and Troupes

• Thomas Betterton, one of the most famous actors of the Restoration period, known for his versatility and naturalistic acting style
• Elizabeth Barry, a renowned tragic actress, praised for her ability to move audiences with her emotional performances
• Anne Bracegirdle, a popular comedic actress, known for her wit and charm on stage
• Colley Cibber, an actor, playwright, and theater manager, who later became the Poet Laureate
• David Garrick, the most influential actor of the 18th century, credited with revolutionizing acting techniques and elevating the status of the profession
• The King's Company and the Duke's Company, the two main theater troupes in London during the early Restoration period, later merging to form the United Company
• The Drury Lane and Covent Garden theaters, two of the most prominent venues in London throughout the Restoration and 18th century

Legacy and Impact on Modern Theatre

• Restoration and 18th-century theater laid the foundation for modern English drama, influencing playwrights and actors for generations
• Comedy of manners continued to inspire writers, with Oscar Wilde and Noël Coward drawing on the wit and social satire of the Restoration period
• Sentimental comedies and domestic tragedies of the 18th century paved the way for the development of melodrama and realistic drama in the 19th century
• Innovations in set design, stagecraft, and lighting techniques continued to evolve, shaping the technical aspects of modern theater production
• The rise of the professional actress during the Restoration period helped to break down gender barriers and pave the way for greater opportunities for women in theater
• Restoration and 18th-century plays continue to be performed and adapted, offering insights into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time
• Study of this period remains essential for understanding the development of English theater and its lasting impact on contemporary drama