Harlequin Empire

Focusing on the period from 1750 to 1840, this work examines how foreign cultures and ethnicities were represented on the British stage, despite the monopoly held by Covent Garden and Dury Lane under the 1737 Licensing Act. It posits that these performances served as a platform for a plebeian Enlightenment, challenging traditional narratives and showcasing the diverse influences on British theatre during this era.