Lincoln's Inn Fields

Definition

Lincoln's Inn Fields is a public square in London that is historically significant as a site for theater during the Restoration period. It became home to the first professional theater built in England after the Commonwealth, known as the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, which played a pivotal role in the development of Restoration theater by providing a venue for new plays and performances that reflected the social and political changes of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre was built in 1661 and was one of the earliest theaters to operate under King Charles II's restoration of the monarchy.
2. The theater hosted performances of notable playwrights such as William Wycherley and John Vanbrugh, contributing to the rise of Restoration comedy.
3. The venue was known for its elaborate stage designs and use of innovative theatrical techniques, setting trends for future productions.
4. Due to its location, Lincoln's Inn Fields attracted a fashionable audience that included nobility and wealthy citizens, influencing the types of plays produced.
5. The theater faced challenges with competition from other venues, leading to its eventual closure in 1695, marking a significant moment in the history of English theater.

Review Questions

• How did Lincoln's Inn Fields contribute to the evolution of Restoration theater?
  • Lincoln's Inn Fields played a crucial role in the evolution of Restoration theater by providing a venue for new plays that resonated with the changing social dynamics after the monarchy was restored. The theater hosted works by influential playwrights like Wycherley and Vanbrugh, who utilized its innovative stage design and attracted an elite audience. This combination fostered an environment where Restoration comedy flourished, allowing playwrights to explore themes related to class, politics, and relationships during this transformative period in English history.
• Discuss how Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre reflected societal changes in England during the Restoration period.
  • Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre reflected societal changes by embracing themes relevant to a population transitioning from Puritanical values back to a more open and decadent lifestyle under King Charles II. The plays performed there often featured satirical takes on social norms and explored issues such as gender roles and class distinctions. By attracting a fashionable audience and showcasing contemporary issues through comedy, it served as both a mirror and catalyst for social change during this vibrant period.
• Evaluate the impact of Lincoln's Inn Fields on future theatrical venues and productions in England.
  • The impact of Lincoln's Inn Fields on future theatrical venues and productions can be seen in its innovative approach to stage design and production value. It set a precedent for elaborate staging and creative technical advancements that later theaters adopted. Additionally, its emphasis on professional performances helped establish a culture where theater was viewed as a legitimate art form. The legacy of Lincoln's Inn Fields influenced not only how plays were produced but also shaped audience expectations for quality entertainment in subsequent generations.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of comedy that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by witty dialogue, sexual innuendo, and a focus on the manners and morals of the upper class.

Theatrical Licensing Act of 1737: An act that required all plays to be licensed by the government, impacting the freedom of theatrical expression in England and reflecting concerns over public morality.

Davenant's Duke's Company: One of the two major theatrical companies during the Restoration, which performed at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre and was influential in shaping early English drama.