What is the English Restoration Theatre?

The Restoration period refers to the time following the restoration of the English, Scottish and Irish monarchies under King Charles II in 1660. While the exact dates differ depending on context, for Restoration drama it is often seen as continuing through until 1710, during the reign of Queen Anne.

What happened to English Theatre during Restoration?

During the Restoration, semi-operas were rising. The design and architecture of the actual stage, as well as advances in stage machinery, gave way to a flourishing theatrical era in the 1660s. These advances allowed for more elaborate scene and set design, making even transformation scenes possible.

What are the two masterpieces of Restoration Theatre?

10 of the Best Restoration Plays Everyone Should Read

• The best Restoration comedies and tragedies.
• John Dryden, Marriage a la Mode.
• William Wycherley, The Country Wife.
• George Etherege, The Man of Mode.
• Aphra Behn, The Rover.
• Thomas Otway, Venice Preserv’d.
• John Vanbrugh, The Provoked Wife.

Why is the English era after 1600 known as the Restoration?

Restoration, Restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660. It marked the return of Charles II as king (1660–85) following the period of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth. The bishops were restored to Parliament, which established a strict Anglican orthodoxy.

What three major events happened during the restoration period?

Restoration Literature Timeline

• 1642: Parliament shuts down the theaters in England.
• 1660: Restoration of Charles II.
• 1660: Theaters are reopened.
• 1667: John Milton publishes Paradise Lost.
• 1672: John Dryden publishes Marriage à-la-Mode.
• 1675: William Wycherley publishes The Country Wife.
• 1677: Aphra Behn publishes The Rover.

Who was the king of England during the Restoration age?

Charles II
Restoration, Restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660. It marked the return of Charles II as king (1660–85) following the period of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth.

Who was a famous restoration actress?

Successful Restoration actresses included Charles II’s mistress Nell Gwyn, the tragedienne Elizabeth Barry, famous for an ability to “move the passions” and make whole audiences cry, the 1690s comedian Anne Bracegirdle, and Susanna Mountfort (Susanna Verbruggen), who had many roles written specially for her in the …

What are the main features of Restoration drama?

Restoration Literature Characteristics

• Comedy of Manners. The Comedy of Manners is a theatrical genre that was uber-popular during the Restoration period.
• Satire. The Restoration writers couldn’t get enough satire.
• Heroic Couplet.
• Social Life.
• Politics.
• Faith.
• Restoration of Monarchy.
• Rejection of Puritanism.

Who is known as the greatest actor of the restoration?

Thomas Betterton
Thomas Betterton. The Greatest Actor of the Restoration Stage.

What is restoration in English drama?

The term “restoration” in Restoration drama refers to the return of the monarchy to England after something more than a decade of Puritan rule. The Restoration of Charless II to the throne of England in 1660 brought about a revolution in the English literature and with him theatre regained its place in English life.

What was the comedy of the English Restoration?

The third and final form of comedy during the Restoration is the comedy of Intrigue. This type of comedy has a somewhat complicated plot, and usually evolves around romance and adventure (“English Restoration: Theatre Movements”).

What are some of the greatest works of Restoration theatre?

Below we introduce ten of the greatest works of Restoration theatre – comedies and tragedies, though mostly the former. John Dryden, Marriage a la Mode. Probably the earliest of the great Restoration comedies, this play premiered in 1673 and was written by the first official Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom.

How did the restoration of 1660 change English theatre?

The Restoration of Charless II to the throne of England in 1660 brought about a revolution in the English literature and with him theatre regained its place in English life. During his years of exile in France, Charles II came to admire the French entertainments and theatrical styles.