7.5 Restoration and 18th-century theater
6 min read•august 21, 2024
The marked a dramatic shift in English theater. After years of Puritan rule, in 1660 ushered in a new era of artistic expression. This period saw the rise of witty comedies, biting satire, and innovative staging techniques.
Restoration theater reflected the changing social and political landscape of England. Playwrights like and crafted works that critiqued upper-class society, explored gender roles, and pushed boundaries with their frank depictions of sexuality and relationships.
Historical context of Restoration
- Restoration period in English history marked significant cultural and political shifts influencing theater and arts
- Reopening of theaters after Puritan rule reshaped dramatic landscape and audience expectations
- French influence on English drama introduced new styles and themes to the stage
End of Puritan rule
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- Marked by 's ascension to the throne in 1660
- Ended strict moral codes and restrictions on public entertainment
- Ushered in an era of renewed artistic expression and cultural liberalization
Reopening of theaters
- Royal patents granted to Thomas Killigrew and William Davenant in 1660
- Established two theater companies and
- Led to rapid growth in theatrical productions and new playhouses (, )
Influence of French drama
- Introduction of neoclassical principles from French theater
- Emphasis on the three unities time, place, and action
- Adoption of French-style comedies and tragedies (heroic drama)
Key characteristics
- Restoration theater reflected societal changes and new artistic freedoms
- Emphasized wit, satire, and social commentary in dramatic works
- Introduced more complex staging and performance techniques
Comedy of manners
- Focused on the behavior and social interactions of upper-class society
- Used clever dialogue and situational humor to expose social foibles
- Often featured stock characters (fops, rakes, ingenues)
Satirical themes
- Critiqued societal norms, politics, and human nature
- Employed irony and exaggeration to highlight social issues
- Targeted specific individuals or groups for mockery (religious hypocrites, social climbers)
Wit and repartee
- Characterized by quick, clever exchanges between characters
- Utilized puns, double entendres, and verbal sparring
- Reflected the intellectual and social values of the Restoration period
Notable playwrights
- Restoration playwrights shaped the dramatic landscape of the period
- Their works often reflected personal experiences and observations of society
- Many playwrights were also active in political and social spheres
William Wycherley
- Known for his biting satire and frank depictions of sexuality
- Wrote and The Plain Dealer
- Influenced by Molière and French
William Congreve
- Master of and witty dialogue
- Penned and Love for Love
- Known for complex plots and nuanced character development
John Dryden
- Prolific writer who excelled in various genres (poetry, criticism, drama)
- Wrote heroic plays (The Conquest of Granada) and comedies (Marriage à la Mode)
- Served as Poet Laureate and historiographer royal
Popular plays
- Restoration plays often tackled controversial themes and pushed social boundaries
- Many works from this period continue to be performed and studied today
- These plays provide insight into the social and cultural norms of the time
The Country Wife
- Written by William Wycherley in 1675
- Satirizes sexual hypocrisy and marital infidelity
- Features the character Horner who feigns impotence to seduce married women
The Way of the World
- Penned by William Congreve in 1700
- Considered one of the finest Restoration comedies
- Explores themes of love, marriage, and social maneuvering
All for Love
- Written by in 1677
- Retells the story of Antony and Cleopatra
- Exemplifies the neoclassical approach to tragedy in the Restoration period
Theatrical innovations
- Restoration theater introduced new technical and performative elements
- These innovations enhanced the visual spectacle and realism of productions
- Many of these changes laid the groundwork for modern theatrical practices
Proscenium arch stage
- Introduced a framed stage separate from the audience
- Created a picture-frame effect for the theatrical action
- Allowed for more elaborate set designs and scene changes
Movable scenery
- Implemented systems of grooves and flats for quick scene changes
- Enhanced the visual spectacle of productions
- Enabled more complex and varied settings within a single play
Female actors
- Women allowed to perform on stage for the first time in English theater
- Led to new types of roles and storylines (breeches roles)
- Actresses like Nell Gwyn became celebrities and royal mistresses
Social commentary
- Restoration theater served as a platform for critiquing society and politics
- Playwrights used humor and satire to address contemporary issues
- Theatrical works often reflected and influenced public opinion
Class structure critique
- Explored tensions between aristocracy and rising middle class
- Satirized social climbers and pretensions of nobility
- Highlighted economic disparities and changing social dynamics
Gender roles exploration
- Challenged traditional notions of masculinity and femininity
- Depicted women as intelligent and sexually aware characters
- Examined power dynamics in courtship and marriage
Political satire
- Commented on current political events and figures
- Used allegory and symbolism to criticize government policies
- Often walked a fine line between critique and censorship
Restoration vs Elizabethan theater
- Restoration theater marked a significant departure from Elizabethan traditions
- Reflected changing social norms and artistic tastes
- Incorporated new theatrical technologies and performance styles
Audience composition
- Restoration audiences more socially elite and fashion-conscious
- Greater presence of women in the audience
- Theaters became spaces for social interaction and display
Theatrical conventions
- Restoration plays adhered more closely to neoclassical unities
- Greater emphasis on spectacle and visual elements
- More naturalistic acting style compared to Elizabethan declamatory approach
Thematic focus
- Shift from historical and romantic themes to contemporary social issues
- Increased emphasis on wit and intellectual humor
- More explicit treatment of sexual themes and relationships
18th-century developments
- Theater in the 18th century evolved from Restoration styles
- New genres emerged reflecting changing social values and audience tastes
- Theatrical innovations continued to shape performance and production techniques
Sentimental comedy
- Emerged in the early 18th century as a reaction to Restoration comedy
- Emphasized moral lessons and virtuous characters
- Aimed to evoke emotional responses from the audience (tears, sympathy)
Bourgeois tragedy
- Focused on middle-class characters and domestic settings
- Explored moral dilemmas and social issues relevant to the growing middle class
- Notable examples include George Lillo's The London Merchant
Ballad opera
- Combined spoken dialogue with popular songs and ballads
- Often satirized Italian opera and contemporary politics
- John Gay's The Beggar's Opera (1728) exemplified this genre
Censorship and regulation
- Government control over theater increased during the 18th century
- Censorship aimed to limit political criticism and maintain social order
- Regulations shaped the content and production of theatrical works
Licensing Act of 1737
- Required all plays to be approved by the Lord Chamberlain before performance
- Limited the number of theaters allowed to operate in London
- Remained in effect until 1968, significantly impacting British theater
Impact on political content
- Reduced overt in plays
- Led playwrights to use more subtle forms of critique and allegory
- Shifted focus towards historical and literary subjects
Rise of literary drama
- Increased focus on publishing plays as literature
- Emergence of closet dramas written to be read rather than performed
- Contributed to the development of dramatic criticism and theory
Legacy and influence
- Restoration and 18th-century theater significantly shaped modern drama
- Many works from this period continue to be performed and studied
- Theatrical innovations from this era influenced subsequent dramatic forms
Impact on modern comedy
- Influenced development of situation comedy and romantic comedy
- Contributed to techniques of social satire in contemporary works
- Shaped character archetypes still used in modern comedic writing
Restoration in contemporary theater
- Revival productions of Restoration plays in major theaters
- Adaptations that update settings or themes for modern audiences
- Influence on playwrights exploring similar themes of social critique and wit
Literary adaptations
- Restoration and 18th-century plays adapted for film and television
- Novels and other literary works inspired by theatrical works of the period
- Academic study and critical analysis of plays as important literary texts
Key Terms to Review (30)
All for Love: All for Love is a tragic play written by John Dryden, first performed in 1678, which retells the story of Antony and Cleopatra. This work represents a significant moment in Restoration and 18th-century theater, as it combines elements of classical tragedy with the dramatic conventions of the time, focusing on themes of love, honor, and sacrifice. The play emphasizes emotional depth and explores the consequences of personal choices against a backdrop of political turmoil.
Ballad opera: Ballad opera is a form of musical theater that emerged in the early 18th century, characterized by its use of spoken dialogue interspersed with popular songs or ballads. It was a reaction against the more formal Italian opera and aimed to appeal to the middle class by incorporating familiar tunes and accessible themes. This genre played a significant role in shaping English theatrical traditions during the Restoration and 18th century.
Bourgeois tragedy: Bourgeois tragedy is a genre of drama that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing on the lives, struggles, and moral dilemmas of the middle class. This form of tragedy often presents relatable characters and situations that reflect contemporary societal issues, moving away from the grand themes of traditional tragedies that centered around nobility. As a result, bourgeois tragedy connects deeply with the evolving cultural landscape of its time, offering a more intimate exploration of human experience.
Charles II: Charles II was the king of England, Scotland, and Ireland who ruled from 1660 until his death in 1685, known for his restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War. His reign marked a significant cultural revival, particularly in the realms of theater, arts, and sciences, reflecting a period of optimism and creative energy following years of political turmoil.
Class structure critique: Class structure critique refers to the analysis and evaluation of social hierarchies, particularly how economic status, wealth distribution, and class relations affect individuals and communities. This critique often highlights the inequalities and power dynamics present within society, emphasizing how these structures influence art, literature, and cultural expressions during specific historical periods.
Comedy of manners: Comedy of manners is a theatrical genre that satirizes the behavior and customs of the upper class, often using wit and humor to expose the superficiality and pretensions of social interactions. This genre highlights the intricacies of relationships, social status, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters in their pursuit of love and acceptance within society.
Drury Lane: Drury Lane is a historic theater located in London, known for its significant role in the development of English drama and performance during the Restoration and 18th centuries. It became a hub for notable playwrights and actors, showcasing works that shaped the theatrical landscape of the time. The theater was also instrumental in popularizing various genres, including comedy and opera, thus influencing the evolution of British theater.
Drury Lane Theatre: Drury Lane Theatre is one of the oldest and most famous theaters in London, originally established in 1663. It played a crucial role in the development of Restoration and 18th-century theater, showcasing a variety of dramatic works, including comedies, tragedies, and operas, while also being a central venue for many notable playwrights and actors of the time.
Duke's company: The duke's company was a prominent theatrical troupe that emerged during the Restoration period in England, specifically known for its connection to the Duke of York, later King James II. This company was instrumental in the development of English theater, bringing a new level of professionalism and artistic innovation to performances after the reopening of theaters following the Puritan Commonwealth. The troupe's success contributed to the flourishing of drama and the rise of notable playwrights and actors in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Female actors: Female actors are women who perform in theatrical productions, films, and other forms of entertainment. During the Restoration and 18th-century theater, female actors began to gain prominence as professional performers, marking a significant shift in societal norms regarding women's roles both on and off the stage. This era also saw the emergence of star actresses, who captivated audiences and contributed to the evolving landscape of theater.
Gender roles exploration: Gender roles exploration refers to the examination and questioning of the traditional expectations and norms associated with gender identities, particularly focusing on how these roles shape societal behaviors, opportunities, and individual identities. This concept allows for a deeper understanding of how theatrical representations can challenge or reinforce societal views on masculinity and femininity, particularly during times of cultural transition.
Impact on political content: Impact on political content refers to the influence that artistic and theatrical expressions have on the political landscape, shaping public perception, discourse, and action. This term emphasizes how performances and written works can reflect, challenge, or reinforce the prevailing political ideologies of their time, often serving as a mirror for society's values and conflicts.
John Dryden: John Dryden was a prominent English poet, playwright, and critic of the 17th century, known for his influential role in Restoration literature. His works reflect the political and social changes of the time, often blending satire and serious themes to comment on the complexities of society and governance. As a key figure in the development of the English drama, Dryden's contributions helped shape the theatrical landscape of the Restoration period and influenced future generations of writers.
King's company: The king's company refers to a prominent theatrical company in England during the Restoration period, particularly established under King Charles II in the 1660s. This company was instrumental in reviving English theater after the Puritan ban and became known for its association with notable playwrights, actors, and the development of new theatrical practices, thereby influencing the evolution of performance art during the 18th century.
Licensing Act of 1737: The Licensing Act of 1737 was a piece of legislation in Great Britain that established the requirement for theater companies to obtain a license from the Lord Chamberlain before performing plays. This act aimed to regulate the theatrical profession, ensuring that only approved works were staged, which was a response to growing concerns over the content of plays and their moral implications during the Restoration and 18th-century period.
Movable scenery: Movable scenery refers to the use of theatrical set pieces that can be shifted, rotated, or transformed during a performance to create different environments and enhance storytelling. This technique gained popularity during the Restoration period and into the 18th century, allowing for more dynamic stage presentations and contributing to the overall spectacle of theatrical productions.
Political satire: Political satire is a form of humor that uses exaggeration, irony, and ridicule to criticize political figures, institutions, and policies. This genre serves as a tool for social commentary, encouraging audiences to reflect on current events and question authority while entertaining them. In particular, political satire flourished in Restoration and 18th-century theater, where playwrights and performers employed wit and humor to address the political climate of their time.
Proscenium arch stage: A proscenium arch stage is a type of theater stage that is framed by an arch, creating a 'picture frame' effect that separates the audience from the performers. This design allows for a clear visual focus on the performance while providing a distinct boundary between the stage and the audience area, which became especially prominent in theatrical architecture during the Restoration and 18th century.
Restoration Comedy: Restoration Comedy refers to a genre of English theatrical plays written and performed during the Restoration period in the late 17th century, characterized by its witty dialogue, satirical humor, and a focus on the complexities of love and social manners. This genre emerged following the re-establishment of the monarchy in 1660 and is notable for its exploration of themes such as sexual politics, class distinctions, and the behaviors of the aristocracy.
Restoration Period: The Restoration Period refers to the time in English history from 1660 to 1688, marked by the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II after the English Civil War and the Interregnum. This era is characterized by a revival of arts and culture, particularly in theater, as well as the establishment of a more open and engaging public life that had been suppressed during earlier conflicts.
Satirical themes: Satirical themes are elements within literature, theater, and art that use humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock societal norms, politics, or human behavior. They aim to provoke thought and reflection by highlighting the absurdities or flaws in the subjects being portrayed, making the audience question established beliefs and practices.
Sentimental comedy: Sentimental comedy is a genre of theatrical comedy that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by its focus on emotional appeal and moral lessons rather than purely humorous situations. This style of comedy seeks to evoke feelings of compassion and tenderness from the audience, often portraying virtuous characters who triumph over adversity, making it distinct from traditional farce and satire prevalent in earlier comedic forms.
The Country Wife: The Country Wife is a Restoration comedy written by William Wycherley in 1675, centering on themes of sexual intrigue and social satire. The play uses clever wit and comedic situations to explore the dynamics between men and women in a society marked by hypocrisy and moral ambiguity. It features a cunning female protagonist who navigates the complexities of courtship and deception, illustrating the clash between rural innocence and urban sophistication during the Restoration period.
The Glorious Revolution: The Glorious Revolution refers to the bloodless overthrow of King James II of England in 1688, which led to the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne. This event established constitutional monarchy in England, marking a pivotal shift in power dynamics between the monarchy and Parliament. It set important precedents for governance and the rights of citizens that influenced political thought in Europe and beyond.
The reopening of playhouses: The reopening of playhouses refers to the resumption of theatrical performances in England during the Restoration period after a lengthy closure due to the Puritanical suppression of stage plays. This revival marked a significant cultural shift, leading to the flourishing of theater as a popular art form in the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by new styles, forms, and theatrical practices that reflected changing societal values.
The way of the world: The way of the world refers to the prevailing attitudes, behaviors, and norms that shape human interactions and societal values. This concept emphasizes the often cynical or pragmatic perspective that characterizes human relationships, suggesting that self-interest and social maneuvering play significant roles in how people navigate life. In specific contexts, it reflects the struggles and aspirations of individuals within society, often presenting a critique of moral values.
Theatre royal: A theatre royal is a type of historic theater in the United Kingdom, often associated with the 18th century, that received a royal patent to perform legitimate plays. These theatres were significant cultural hubs during the Restoration and 18th century, as they showcased various genres of drama and reflected societal changes. The term is also closely linked to the development of professional theater and the establishment of formal playwriting as an art form in this era.
William Congreve: William Congreve was an influential English playwright and poet, known for his contributions to Restoration comedy in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His works are characterized by sharp wit, sophisticated dialogue, and a keen observation of human nature, often highlighting themes of love, deception, and social manners. Congreve's plays played a crucial role in shaping the theatrical landscape of his time, reflecting the complexities of Restoration society.
William Wycherley: William Wycherley was an English playwright and poet, known primarily for his contributions to Restoration comedy in the late 17th century. His works are characterized by sharp wit, satire, and a focus on the moral complexities of love and relationships, reflecting the changing social dynamics of post-Civil War England. Wycherley's plays often critiqued societal norms and conventions, making him a key figure in the development of English theater during the Restoration period.
Wit and repartee: Wit and repartee refer to a quick, clever, and often humorous exchange of dialogue between characters, showcasing their intelligence and sharpness in conversation. This form of verbal interaction became particularly prominent during the Restoration and 18th-century theater, where playwrights emphasized the importance of clever banter as a tool for both character development and social commentary.