Krisztina Kodó: Restoration Theatrical Practice and its echoes in William Congreve's Comedy, The Way of the World

Article

The English Restoration and the eighteenth-century presents a direct shift from the popular theatre practice of Shakespearean and Jacobean theatre, and from what will be considered accepted norms in the nineteenth century and modern theatre practice. This involves numerous changes and developments from building structures and forms, manner of acting, stage and scenic design, and the introduction of women on the stage. The article will examine the relevance of the changes of Restoration drama and the achievements of a new form of comedy, the comedy of manners within the English literary canon. From among the Restoration comedies Congreve's works carry the echoes of the era in time and space. To what extent this may be true will be examined in the article.