3.1 The reopening of theaters and new dramatic conventions

The Restoration era brought a dramatic revival to English theater. After 18 years of Puritan-enforced closure, theaters reopened in 1660 under Charles II. This shift ushered in new artistic freedoms, French influences, and a more libertine atmosphere in drama.

Revolutionary changes swept the stage. Women actors debuted, replacing boys in female roles. New stage designs, like the proscenium arch, allowed for fancier sets. Fresh genres emerged, including the witty comedy of manners and heroic drama.

Restoration Theater's Context

Political and Cultural Shifts

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• Restoration period began in 1660 with Charles II's ascension to the English throne marked end of Puritan rule and reopened theaters after 18-year closure
• Return of monarchy brought significant social and cultural changes shifted towards more libertine attitudes and revived arts
• Charles II introduced French cultural influences to English court and theater scene due to his exile in France
• Reopening of theaters accompanied by new royal patents granted exclusive rights to specific theater companies and established monopoly system
• Political climate of the time often found expression in theater
  • Ongoing tensions between Protestants and Catholics
  • Conflicts between royalists and republicans

Revolutionary Changes in Theater

• Emergence of professional actresses on English stage for first time replaced tradition of boy actors in female roles
• Restoration audience predominantly aristocratic and courtly influenced themes and styles of plays produced during this period
• Introduction of proscenium arch stage created picture-frame effect and allowed for more elaborate scenery and stage effects
• Development of "thrust stage" extended into audience area facilitated more intimate actor-audience relationship
• Adoption of movable scenery and complex stage machinery enabled rapid scene changes and spectacular visual effects (trapdoors, flying mechanisms)

Dramatic Conventions in the Restoration

New Genres and Theatrical Elements

• Emergence of new dramatic genres shaped theatrical landscape
  • Restoration comedy of manners (The Way of the World by William Congreve)
  • Heroic drama (The Conquest of Granada by John Dryden)
• Incorporation of music and dance into theatrical productions led to development of English opera and semi-opera forms
• Emphasis on witty dialogue and repartee especially in comedies reflected sophisticated tastes of court audience
• Relaxation of moral standards in theatrical content allowed for more explicit sexual themes and language on stage

Staging and Performance Innovations

• Adoption of movable scenery and complex stage machinery enabled rapid scene changes and spectacular visual effects
• Introduction of female actors led to creation of new character types and plot devices
  • Explored gender roles and relationships in comedies
  • Allowed for more nuanced portrayals of female characters
• Development of stock characters and situations in Restoration comedy influenced later dramatic traditions
  • The rake (Don Juan)
  • The fop (Sir Fopling Flutter)
  • The country wife (Margery Pinchwife)

Restoration's Impact on English Drama

Evolving Dramatic Styles

• Marked significant shift from moralistic and allegorical plays of medieval and early modern periods to more realistic and satirical representations of contemporary society
• Influence of French neoclassical drama resulted in greater emphasis on unities of time, place, and action in English plays
• Revival and adaptation of Shakespearean plays during this period often included significant alterations to suit contemporary tastes and staging capabilities (Nahum Tate's King Lear)

Long-Term Theatrical Influences

• Emergence of celebrity actors and playwrights led to new focus on star power and authorial reputation in theater industry
• Lasting impact of Restoration dramatic conventions on subsequent periods of English drama
  • Influenced 18th-century sentimental comedy
  • Shaped comedy of manners tradition
• Development of English opera and semi-opera forms paved way for future musical theater traditions
• Establishment of professional actresses on stage transformed representation of women in theater for centuries to come