Restoration Theatre

The Restoration Theatre

Fabrizio FalitiEnrico Biglietto

Restauration Theatre

Actors Advent of actresses tied to a theatre, first great stars

Audience Went to feel fashionable, mainly upper class, loud

Theatres Intimate space roofed, with curtain, lit with candles

Comedy of Manners Made of fun of society about witty amoral couples

The Theatre

Restoration theatre refers to the period of English theatre during the 17th century, specifically between 1660 and 1710, known as the Restoration era. This period marked the reopening of the English theatres after they were closed during the Puritan rule. The Restoration theaters were intimate spaces, illuminated with candles. They had a curtain to conceal scene changes and also used movable sets painted on the back of the stage to create the illusion of three-dimensional settings. One of the most important things is taht the producers tried to flod their stage with as much light as possibile, furthrermore candles were taken out of auditoriums, leaving the audience area much darker and increasing the contrast with what was visible on stage.

Actors

During the Restoration period, actors were mostly professionals.Theatre became a full-time occupation, with actors being paid for their performances. Before this, during the Elizabethan era, many theatre companies were primarily composed of amateur actors. A significant aspect of Restoration theatre was the introduction of professional actresses. Before this period, female roles were portrayed by young men. With the arrival of actresses, female characters were portrayed more authentically, adding new dynamics to the performances.

Why people went to the theatre ?

• Entertainment: People went to the theatre to enjoy lively performances, witty dialogues, and the spectacle of elaborate costumes and sets.
• Socializing: The theatre was a social event where people could gather, mingle, and socialize with others from different social classes.
• Satire and Political Commentary: Restoration plays often contained political satire and commentary on social issues. People attended the theatre to witness these critiques.
• Fashion and Style: The theatre was a place to showcase one's fashion and style. Audiences dressed in their best attire, and the theatre became a venue for displaying the latest fashions and trends.

Wiliaam Congreve

life

William Congreve was a renowned English playwright and writer of the 17th century. Born in 1670 in Bardsey, England, Congreve is best known for his brilliant and witty comedies. Among his most famous works are "The Way of the World" and "Love for Love". His ability to portray complex characters and comedic situations made his works beloved by audiences. Congreve was an influential figure in the theater of his time and left a lasting imprint on the world of English literature.

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4H

Fabrizio FalitiEnrico Buglietto