School for Greybeards; or, The Mourning Bride

In this captivating comedy, Cowley presents a work that emerged from a peculiar moment of unease. Following its initial performance, critics noted the presence of audience members who seemed intent on disapproving, a challenge Cowley faced head-on. This 1786 play draws inspiration from Aphra Behns earlier work, Lucky Chance, shifting the setting from London to the enchanting landscapes of Portugal in an attempt to sidestep controversy surrounding its themes of marriage. Despite her efforts, Cowley found herself revising the script for subsequent performances. The published version featured in this recording restores the original elements that were altered, offering insight into the creative process through Cowleys address at the end of Act 5, which is included to preserve the plays surprises. Join us for an engaging performance brought to life by a talented cast, led by ToddHW.