Thanks for another entertaining read. The development of the theatre in the late 17th and early 18th century is a fascinating topic. It's a shame that The Relapse, and other plays of the time don't get revived very often. Colley Cibber's autobiography is a great source for getting a sense of the literary culture of the time, though, as poet laureate, he came off very badly in his feud with Pope, who crowned him King of Dunces in The Dunciad. Mention of Cibber always reminds me of Kolley Kibber in Graham Greene's Brighton Rock: a bank holiday newspaper promotion, where the public have to recognise the mystery man Kibber to claim a prize. With my pedant's hat on, shouldn't it be over- rather than underestimated?
Good spot, thanks for that Rob. I don't think people are taught the style of Restoration drama these days - it's a very particular, quick-fire style of dialogue - which may explain why the play is not done much. They did perform Vanbrugh's Provok'd Wife at the RSC a few years ago, and very good it was too.
It's odd, isn't it? Sheridan and Goldsmith are regularly produced, but earlier post-Restoration playwrights rarely get a look in. When was Wycherley last performed? We are in an age of conspicuous consumption and social display, so those earlier plays should resonate.
I saw Wycherley done maybe in the early 2000s, but only because i'm near to Stratford and the RSC. I realy wish there was more Restoration drama out there on stages - even the RSC does it rarely.
Thank you for that - yes, what I had previously seen as just over-confidence on Vanbrugh's part takes on a whole new meaning when you consider Shadwell. Ha! - great observation about academia. :D
Thanks for another entertaining read. The development of the theatre in the late 17th and early 18th century is a fascinating topic. It's a shame that The Relapse, and other plays of the time don't get revived very often. Colley Cibber's autobiography is a great source for getting a sense of the literary culture of the time, though, as poet laureate, he came off very badly in his feud with Pope, who crowned him King of Dunces in The Dunciad. Mention of Cibber always reminds me of Kolley Kibber in Graham Greene's Brighton Rock: a bank holiday newspaper promotion, where the public have to recognise the mystery man Kibber to claim a prize. With my pedant's hat on, shouldn't it be over- rather than underestimated?
Good spot, thanks for that Rob. I don't think people are taught the style of Restoration drama these days - it's a very particular, quick-fire style of dialogue - which may explain why the play is not done much. They did perform Vanbrugh's Provok'd Wife at the RSC a few years ago, and very good it was too.
It's odd, isn't it? Sheridan and Goldsmith are regularly produced, but earlier post-Restoration playwrights rarely get a look in. When was Wycherley last performed? We are in an age of conspicuous consumption and social display, so those earlier plays should resonate.
I saw Wycherley done maybe in the early 2000s, but only because i'm near to Stratford and the RSC. I realy wish there was more Restoration drama out there on stages - even the RSC does it rarely.
Thank you for that - yes, what I had previously seen as just over-confidence on Vanbrugh's part takes on a whole new meaning when you consider Shadwell. Ha! - great observation about academia. :D