Ireland, Enlightenment and the English Stage, 1740-1820

The eighteenth-century English audience was greatly influenced by Irish civility and culture, which was represented in the theatre by Irish actors and playwrights. They exploited a growing receptivity to Irish civility and advanced a patriot agenda of political and economic autonomy, seeing little conflict between their loyalties to the Crown and to Ireland. This collection of essays responds to recent work in eighteenth-century theatre studies, Irish studies, and Enlightenment studies, opening up new avenues of scholarship and research across disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Theatre played a vital role in showcasing the essence of Irish civility and culture to the English audience during the eighteenth century. Irish actors and playwrights, operating both individually and within networks, gained immense popularity and influence, particularly in London. As the ideas of Enlightenment spread across Britain and Ireland, Irish theatrical practitioners, including actors, managers, playwrights, critics, and journalists, capitalized on the growing appreciation for Irish manners and advanced a patriot agenda aimed at achieving political and economic autonomy for Ireland.

This Irish theatrical Enlightenment was characterized by a remarkable sense of mobility, tolerance, and the ability to navigate multiple allegiances. The participants in this movement saw little conflict between their loyalty to the Crown and their commitment to Ireland, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of their dual identities.

This collection of essays responds to recent developments in eighteenth-century theatre studies, Irish studies, and Enlightenment studies. The essays in this volume explore various genres, colonialism, gender, race, music, slavery, and dress, offering fresh perspectives and opening up new avenues for scholarship and research across disciplines. By delving into these topics, the collection contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted world of eighteenth-century theatre and its impact on shaping cultural and societal identities.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108498142