
Restoration drama
Restoration drama refers to the period of English theatre that began in 1660 when the monarchy was restored under King Charles II. It is characterized by a lively, often witty style, featuring complex characters, clever dialogue, and themes like love, satire, and social manners. The plays often included comedy, history, and tragedy, and embraced a more permissive attitude toward language and behavior than earlier periods. Restoration drama played a key role in shaping modern theatre, emphasizing entertainment, sophistication, and exploring human nature with humor and insight.