So my task is different from my peers, as I am required to do a Director's Notebook on the whole play. This is because my peers are given the additional project of directing a scene.
I was actually gone for two of the classes this week, thus I have only recently begun working. So far, I have researched the historical context of the play, a summary of my findings are below:
The 18th century was an era of new philosophical ideas and regard of social hierarchy. The Rivals is around the time of the Industrial Revolution, which was the development of machinery and new products. People began moving to cities for new opportunities but the lifestyle was still simple as there are no factories and there was only basic machinery. During this time, the main sign of a person being of a higher class was owning land. The rich often lived in the countryside in grand mansions and peaceful environments. They would indulge themselves in the privilege of theaters, the opera and dinner parties. Their lifestyle required people of lower class to do household chores and activities, allowing them to continue living in luxury. As for the poor, they usually lived with other people in one room. If they had no work, they could not ask the government for help.
In the greater historical context, this period was also shrouded with warfare such as the 7 Years’ War. There was conflict between neighboring European nations due to changes in the monarchy and trade relations. Furthermore, there were tension growing between American and Britain, the Boston Tea Party was an incident that signified that. And soon, the American War of Independence began, creating turmoil in the concept of freedom and liberty.
This concept of freedom and liberty is a theme within The Rivals. As Lydia wants to marry a poor man in order to free herself from the traditions of the upper class, she finds herself questioning her definition of freedom. The play also centers around the conflict between the old generation and new generation, which may have also been driven by the changes within the nation. This evolution is relevant in the manner that the world around them influences their mindset of love.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan wrote the Rivals as his first play in response to his lack of money. At this time, Sheridan just married his wife who was earning a decent wage through being a singer. However, as a wife, she was forced to quit from her position and follow the traditional image of being a wife.
Next week I hope to finalize my research with the historical context and move on to the characters and possibly costumes.