Last Friday we watched a presentation about restoration theatre, this explored what it was, how it came about and what it involved. I believe the following information to be important and interesting:
- After 7 years of civil war Charles 1 was removed from the throne and beheaded by Oliver Cromwell, leader of the puritans in 1649- the next 11 years were known as the commonwealth- during this period basically everything was classed as sinning included theatre, this meant that almost all theatres were burnt or destroyed by the government.
- In 1660, Charles II, who had been living in France, was invited by a newly elected Parliament to return from exile and rule England. The Monarchy was restored and this period was called the restoration.
- Restoration Drama- Unique fusion between Elizabethan stage conventions and Italian and French styles. French culture was especially influential in Restoration society as Charles 11 bought back various parts of french culture back when he returned from France. Serious Drama- consisted of Heroic tragedy and restoration tragedy.
- Restoration comedy- consisted of comedies of Intrigue (daring exploits of romance and adventure with complicated plots) and comedies of Manners (Focuses on the fashions and foibles of the upper class – gossip, adultery, sexual escapades).
- Actors- actors were mainly men, although women were finally allowed to act during this period of time( this hugely influenced theatre). Actors learnt their craft through apprenticeships and were offered jobs via contract. rehearsals for plays could last just 2 weeks.
- Theatre Architecture- All buildings were indoor and the stage was divided into two distinct halves. lighting was difficult yet they managed by showing performances in the afternoon to use some natural light, they used candles alongside natural light as well. –
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| Time line of outfits during the restoration period |
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