THAR 281 1st Edition Lecture 5 Outline of Last Lecture: French Neoclassical TheatreI. King Louis XIVa. Palace of VersaillesII. Early French Theatrea. Confrerie de la Passionb. Hotel de Bourgognec. Italian InfluenceIII. French Neoclassicisma. Cornielle, Racine, Moliereb. French Actingc. French Theatre:Outline of Current Lecture: Restoration TheatreI. CommonwealthII. RestorationIII. Drama during Restorationa. Heroic tragedyb. Restoration tragedyc. Operad. Comedy of Intriguee. Comedy of MannersIV. The Theatre during RestorationCurrent LectureRestoration Theatre- Commonwealth:o Oliver Cromwell- Lord protector of Commonwealth of England Began in 1642 Commonwealth ended with Cromwell’s death in 1658, the monarch was restored.- Restoration: (1660-1700)o Theatre is brought back.These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. 1660 Charles II returns to England. Theatre is portrayed as licentious and permissive Characterized by sexualityo Theatre’s audience: consisted of upper class and nobilityo Upper class and aristocracy acted over the top…- Type of Drama during Restoration:o Heroic Tragedy: tragedy with an unlucky hero.o Restoration Tragedy: written with rules of neoclassicism many playwrights took Shakespeare’s plays and re-wrote it to fit into tragedy.o Opera: (began in Florence, Italy then comes to England)o Comedy of Intrigue: comedy with adventure and explorationo Comedy of Manners: Restoration is namely known for this comedy. It poked fun at aristocracy, usually through by portraying secrets, and affairs among nobles. - Restoration Audience:o When commonwealth first began, it put an end to theatre. However, with the return of King Charles II, two men previously involved in theatre were allowed charters to continue with their theatre troupes.o Thomas Killigrew 1612-1683 Had a charter for one of two theatre troupes His troupe was the King’s Company Famous for Poet Laureateo William Davenant 1606-1668 Brought Opera to England with the first one, Siege of Rhodes. Charles II allowed him to have one of two patents for theatre troupes His troupe was Duke’s Company- Comedy of Manners:o Moliere influenced. o Based on gossip, adultery, scandals.o Witty and suggestive dialogue.- Theatre during Restoration:- William Wycherlyo Wrote one of the best known playwrights of Comedy of Manners- The Country Wife - The Plain Dealero Known for his use of language- Poked fun at aristocracy- Made fun of society- Aphra Behno Most well-known woman playwright of Restoration and a novelist. In general Comedy of Intrigue.- The Rover (1677)- her famous playwright- Oroonoko (1688)- well known novelo Charles the II noticed during his time in France that women were on the stage, and brought this to England during the Restoration-o She was a spy for Charles IIo The “divine” Astrea” –this was her code name, meaning goddess.- Samuel Pepys-- 1633-1703- English Naval administrator and part of Parliament who documented his experience with theatre. - He kept a diary from 1660-1669 of his regular trips to the theatre noting the audience’s reaction, especially to women in theatre. - Anne Bracegirdle:o 1663-1748o Famous actress/singer: considered virtuous, something uncommon among women actors at this time.- If you were an actress at this time you were considered a whore.- Women were not treated with dignity in this business.o She starred in Aphra Behn’s The Widow’s Ranter, 1689 - Mainly played in breeches roles. Or pants role: when a women, portrayed a man’s character in theatre. Due her role, she was considered the celebrated virgin- Nell Gwynn:o Pretty-Witty Nello She worked the theatre as an orange wench, until she took the stage. o Mistress to King Charles II- didn’t keep her affairs