British theatre I
I. British theatre up to 19th century
· before 16th century – sources – Religious plays – mystery plays (life of saints)
– miracle plays (Bible themes)
– Pagan and folk plays – everyday problems and events from people’s lives
– Greek and Latin drama – tragedy, revenge
· 16th century – first half of 17th century – Renaissance in British drama – famous playwrights :
Shakespeare, Marlow, Johnson, Kid
1642 – closing of theatres
1660 – theatres reopened, but didn’t develop in the former fame until 20th century
· second half 17th – 19th century
Restoration drama – first actresses
Comedy of manners – the immoral manners of the society, no proper plot
William Congreve – Love for Love
Richard Brinsley Sheridan – The School for Scandal
Satirical drama – 18th century
John Gay – The Beggar’s Opera
Henry Fielding – The Author’s Farce
