Abolition of Puritan laws led to a more decadent cultural climate for upper classes.
Theatres reopened in 1660 and a new type of theatre began.
The new theatre was lighter in tone and focused on sophisticated social comedy.
Comedy of Manners was influenced by French, Italian, and Spanish plays.
Restoration plays were restricted to upper-class audiences.
Restoration plays emphasized wit and elegance of speech.
The finest examples of Restoration plays showed the human situation under the mask of sophistication.
Theatres were roofed, sets were painted, and stage lighting improved.
Women actors replaced boys who had taken female roles in Shakespeare's day.
William Congreve was one of the greatest practitioners of comedies in the Restoration period.

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