The Age of Restoration Drama refers to a vibrant period in English theatre history during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, characterized by the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II in 1660 and the subsequent reopening of theaters, which had been closed during the Puritan Interregnum.



1. Historical Context:

   - The Restoration of the monarchy brought about a significant cultural shift in England, as Charles II's court became a center of sophistication, wit, and pleasure-seeking.

   - The reopening of theaters led to a resurgence of drama, with playwrights and actors eager to entertain the newly liberated public.


2. Characteristics of Restoration Drama:

   - Restoration drama is known for its wit, sophistication, and exploration of social manners and mores.

   - The comedy of manners emerged as a dominant genre, focusing on the manners and social behavior of the upper class, often satirizing their foibles and hypocrisies.

   - Plays were characterized by witty dialogue, intricate plotting, and a focus on love, intrigue, and social hierarchy.

   - Restoration tragedies also flourished, influenced by French classical tragedy, featuring noble protagonists, complex moral dilemmas, and poetic language.


3. Key Playwrights and Works:

   - Playwrights such as William Wycherley, George Etherege, and Sir John Vanbrugh were prominent figures of Restoration comedy, known for works such as "The Country Wife" (Wycherley), "The Man of Mode" (Etherege), and "The Relapse" (Vanbrugh).

   - The most famous playwright of the period is William Congreve, whose comedies, including "The Way of the World" and "Love for Love," are celebrated for their sparkling wit, clever dialogue, and keen insight into human nature.


4. Controversies and Censorship:

   - Restoration drama was not without its controversies, as its bawdy humor and irreverent tone often clashed with prevailing moral and religious sensibilities.

   - The Licensing Act of 1737 imposed censorship on the theater, leading to a decline in the bawdiness and social criticism of Restoration drama in the following decades.

An image of Restoration drama:



5. Legacy and Influence:

   - Despite its relatively brief heyday, Restoration drama had a lasting impact on English theater, influencing subsequent generations of playwrights and comedians.

   - The comedy of manners remains a popular genre, with echoes of Restoration wit and sophistication evident in the works of playwrights such as Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward.


In summary, the Age of Restoration Drama represents a lively and colorful period in English theater history, characterized by wit, satire, and social observation. The era produced some of the most enduring comedies in the English language, leaving a lasting legacy on the theatrical landscape.