“Delicious Dissembling”: Acting in High Comedy
S07
Jean Randich
With the restoration of Charles II to the English throne in 1660, the theaters reopened and a new style of comedy burst forth. Women actresses began to appear on the London stage and the Restoration comedy of manners, rife with liaisons, seduction, desired and abhorred marriages, dazzling repartee, and biting social satire emerged.

We will work in-depth with plays by Congreve, Sheridan, Wilde, and possibly contemporary texts to explore how character is created, the use of flaunting, the task of masking emotion, the art of the verbal duel, and conventions of public and private discourse. Physical and vocal technique, such as the role of rhythm, tempo, pitch, and timing in the creation of comedy, will also be a focus.

Though these plays are notoriously difficult to master, when played right they are hilarious. The final presentation will be an evening of scenes.