The Evolution of British Drama

The Evolution of British Drama

The origin of drama is indeed deeply intertwined with the religious aspects of human culture. This holds true not only for English dramas but also for dramas across various cultures. Ancient Greek and Roman dramas were primarily centered around religious ceremonies. With much of the Bible written in Latin, priests faced the challenge of making its teachings accessible to the general public. They pioneered a new approach using living pictures and employing theatrical performances. This fusion of religion and theater laid the foundation for the diverse forms of drama that have since emerged. 

Nevertheless, we are going to focs on English Drama. The Romans introduced the drama to England and over the years, it became more and more known, even internationally. Nowadays, the significance of drama in Britain is noteworthy, particularly due to its relationships with numerous legendary playwrights. 




The English Renaissance and William Shakespeare 

The English Renaissance, from the 16th to the early 17th century marked a crucial period in British cultural and artistic history, laying the foundation for the dominance of British drama. Playwrights created works that approach both tragedy and comedy, covering historical, mythological and contemporary themes.

Undoubtedly, the paramount figure of the English Renaissance and one of the most universally recognized writers to date is William Shakespeare. His enduring influence transcends time, making him not only a central figure of his era, but also a literary genius whose works continue to captivate audiences worldwide. 

Everyone knows the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, one of his best-known works and I am sure that Hamlet also sounds familiar to you. But these are only some of his tragedies. He also wrote some comedies, such as As You Like It or A Midsummer Night’s Dream and some histories, Richard III or Henry V.

The English Renaissance drama, with Shakespeare at its pinnacle, represents a period of artistic brilliance that has left an indelible mark on literature and theater. The themes, styles, and linguistic innovations of this era continue to resonate and inspire today. 




Interregnum

During the post-Restoration era in English theatre, following the closure imposed by the Puritans during the Interregnum, theaters in London were reopened, ushering in a period of theatrical revival. The inclusion of professional actresses marked a significant change, allowing for more authentic portrayals of female characters. This era saw the emergence of new genres, including Yushin heroism and comedy, diversifying the dramatic landscape. Notable plays and playwrights, such as George Etheridge's The Fashionable Lover, William Wycherley's The Country Wife and Aphra Behn's The Rover reflected the wit and satire characteristic of the time. John Dryden and Thomas Otway contributed tragedies, while sexual frankness became a highlight in comedies. The aristocratic influence of Prince Charles II and his court shaped the preference for sophisticated and sometimes scandalous entertainment. 

The prevalence of sexual frankness in comedies and the inclusion of actresses reflects the evolving societal attitudes toward sexuality and the arts. It suggests a willingness to engage with more risqué themes, perhaps influenced by the relaxed atmosphere of the time.

18th century

During the 18th century, British theater underwent a significant transformation. The once-popular Restoration comedy began to decline as societal values shifted, giving rise to family tragedy and sentimental comedy. Concurrently, burlesque and musical entertainment at fair booths gained popularity, foreshadowing the future British music hall. This shift in entertainment preferences had repercussions for legal British theater, leading to a decrease in its popularity. The cultural changes of the time, moving from bold and licentious themes to more moral narratives, reflected broader shifts in British society. The success of alternative forms of entertainment in the 18th century played a crucial role in shaping the diverse theatrical landscape and influenced the subsequent development of the British music hall. Some important playwrights are Richard Brinsley Sheridan, whose best-known work is The School for Scandal or George Lillo with The London Merchant. 


Victorian Era

During the Victorian era, English theater saw competition between Shakespearean plays and the rise of musical burlesques. In 1855, Reed Entertainment introduced musical theater, and the Edwardian era brought a series of musical comedies. With improved transportation, audiences grew, allowing theaters to extend performances late into the night. The increased popularity turned drama into a lucrative business, elevating production values. Leading poets and playwrights like W. S. Gilbert, his most famous work was  H.M.S. Pinafore, and Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest) gained fame. The legacy endured as drama evolved, with later Edwardian playwrights, including George Bernard Shaw and Henrik Ibsen, shaping the theatrical landscape.

The Present Time

In the late 20th century, Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical dramas, including iconic productions like The Phantom of the Opera dominated the global stage, reaching Broadway and inspiring feature films. Postmodernism impacted British drama, but theaters on Shaftesbury Avenue in West London persisted. The Royal Shakespeare Company, located in Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, continues to produce the legendary playwright's works, highlighting the enduring influence of British theater.Contemporary British drama is diverse and reflects the complex social, political, and cultural landscape of the time.


As we have seen in this analysis of drama throughout the years, something that began as religious has evolved to reflect current social injustices. It is fascinating to study different eras through the lens of theater. We can observe significant progress, such as when discussions about sex emerged during the Interregnum, which was unimaginable in the previous century. Additionally, we have witnessed the inclusion of women in theater. The evolution of these themes underscores the dynamic nature of the theatrical landscape across various historical periods and the social evolution that came with it.

References

(2022, March 17) Evolution of English Drama. unacademy. https://unacademy.com/content/cbse-class-11/study-material/english/evolution-of-english-drama/ 


The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. William Shakespeare’s Important Works. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/William-Shakespeares-Important-Works 


Chandler, T. (2020, July 14). Top 10 British playwrights of all time. eHow.  https://www.ehow.co.uk/slideshow_12239166_top-british-playwrights-time.html 


Propst, A. (2022, November 18). The best plays of all time. Time Out. https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/best-plays-of-all-time 


How Has William Shakespeare Influenced Life Today. Why the Book Wins. https://whythebookwins.com/knowledge/how-has-william-shakespeare-influenced-life-today/?utm_content=cmp-true   

(2022, May 5). Shakespeare’s Influence on Contemporary Literature. Maryville University. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/william-shakespeare-influence/#:~:text=By%20creating%20new%20words%20and,to%20push%20their%20creative%20boundaries

(2019, March 27). [Photograph]. British theatre. Scenes from the bigger picture. https://patricklonergan.wordpress.com/category/british-theatre/


[Illustration]. William Shakespeare. Liber Ediciones. https://liberediciones.es/asrtistas/william-shakespeare/


[Illustration]. Why did Shakespeare have a skull when he wrote "To be or not to be: that is the question?” Where did he get a skull? Was it real? Could you buy fake skulls in the 1700s? Is the skull symbolic for something?. Quora. https://www.quora.com/Why-did-Shakespeare-have-a-skull-when-he-wrote-To-be-or-not-to-be-that-is-the-question-Where-did-he-get-a-skull-Was-it-real-Could-you-buy-fake-skulls-in-the-1700s-Is-the-skull-symbolic-for-something


(2018, November 12). [Illustration]. Wilton's Music Hall. British Theatre. https://britishtheatre.com/fringe/wiltons-music-hall/


Huston, C. (2022, September 16). [Photograph]. ‘Phantom of the Opera’ to Close on Broadway After 35 Years. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/phantom-of-the-opera-to-close-on-broadway-in-february-1235222513/

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