The Restoration era of theater, spanning the period from 1660 to 1710, is renowned for its wit, spectacle, and licentiousness. It was a time of rebirth and aristocratic indulgence, following the Puritan Commonwealth. However, this vibrant period eventually waned, and understanding why the Restoration era of theater ended is a complex task involving various social, economic, and cultural factors.
The latter half of the 17th century brought significant changes that gradually undermined the popularity and sustainability of Restoration theater. This article explores the key reasons behind the decline of this illustrious era, delving into its societal context, the changing tastes of audiences, and the broader artistic landscape.
Changing Society and Morality
The Restoration era was marked by a loosening of moral codes, with the theater reflecting society's permissiveness. However, as the 17th century progressed, a religious revival took place, and societal mores began to shift once more. This shift influenced the public's appetite for the overtly sexual and bawdy humor that characterized Restoration comedy.
The emergence of Methodism, in particular, was accompanied by a resurgence of Puritanical values. This new moral climate found the excess and latitude of Restoration theater increasingly distasteful. Plays that had once filled wealthy aristocrats with mirth now met with disapproval from a more conservative audience.
The Rise of Sensibility and sentimentality
By the late 17th century, neoclassical ideals began to infiltrate British culture, positing a new set of aesthetic values that emphasized restraint, decorum, and emotional depth. This shift in taste preferred plays that dealt with heroic and tragic subjects, with a greater emphasis on genuine emotion and moral integrity. Restoration comedy, with its focus on wit and laughter at the expense of manners, found less favor in this new environment.
A perfect example of this shift is the rise of sentimental comedy. Plays such as Richard Steele's "The Conscious Lovers" (1722) embodied this new sensibility, appealing to audience emotions and extolling virtues such as constancy and compassion. The success of such plays further marginalized the Restoration comedy of manners.
Economic Factors and Theater Audiences
The theater of the Restoration era flourished during a period of economic prosperity and royal indulgence. As the century drew to a close, however, economic conditions changed. The financial crisis of 1695 and the resulting South Sea Bubble left many in the upper classes with fewer disposable funds, reducing their attendance at expensive London theaters.
Moreover, as the 18th century progressed, the composition of theater audiences shifted. With the rise of the middle class and the concurrent democratization of culture, new forms of entertainment emerged to cater to their tastes. These factors, coupled with the changing cultural climate, contributed to the waning appeal of Restoration theater.
Evolution of Theater and Artistic Landscapes
As the Restoration era drew to a close, so too did the dominance of its theatrical styles. New forms of entertainment and artistic expression emerged, challenging and eventually replacing Restoration theater in the public consciousness.
A notable example is the rise of ballad opera, a musical-theatrical form that blended spoken dialogue with song. This new format exploited the demotic language of its source material (popular ballads) and was significantly cheaper and more accessible to a broader range of audiences, contributing to its rapid proliferation during the early 18th century.
The Emergence of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
The opening of Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in 1674, marked a significant development in theatrical history. Under the management of Thomas Betterton and his wife, Mary Saunderson, it became the leading theater of the day, producing plays by notable Restoration playwrights like William Wycherley, George Etherege, and William Congreve.
However, the company's fortunes declined in the early 18th century, reflecting the broader trends affecting Restoration theater. By the 1730s, the company was heavily in debt, and its productions of Restoration plays struggled to attract audiences. This decline further testified to the waning popularity of Restoration theater and the emergence of new tastes and forms.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Laughter and Wit
Restoration plays have left an indelible mark on British theater and culture, with their influence still felt today in comedies of manners and in the enduring popularity of their biting wit and social commentary. The decline of the Restoration era, while complex and multifaceted, testifies to the dynamic and evolving nature of theater and society. Today, we remember the Restoration era not only for its iconic plays but also for the social and artistic developments that eventually ushered in new forms of entertainment and expression. The legacy of laughter and wit lives on, even as the stage itself changed to reflect the tastes and realities of a new century.