Biographical Report on William Davenant

Charles would help revolutionize English theater by bringing the Italian and French styles and staging to England. Under Charles II the Monarchy was fully restored and theatre soared to new heights as he encouraged the creation of theatrical productions. He began to issue exclusive patents to a few select playwrights for the establishment of new theater companies. One of these prominent playwrights to be lucky enough to have the blessing of the king was William Davenant. Davenant was an English poet, playwright, and theatre manager who became widely respected in the theatrical realm. Interestingly, most of his personal life was wildly dramatic. He was thought to have participated in the Army Plot against Parliament, and was a blockade runner during the civil wars. During the reign of Charles I he was knighted but upon the king's execution was imprisoned from 1650 to 1652. Davenant was permitted to produce operas in the 1650s, when plays were forbidden, and after the Restoration in 1660 he adapted several of Shakespeare's plays. In 1629 produced his first play, the tragedy of A lbovine. Though not considered a masterpiece, the production was a hit with local patrons. In 1637 he was appointed the respected office of poet-laureate, to the exclusion of Thomas May, who considered himself entitled to the honor. It was shortly after this event in 1638 that Davenant collected his minor lyrical pieces in a volume entitled Madagascar and other Poems. In 1639 he became manager of the prestigious new theatre in Drury Lane. In 1642, Davenant was accused by Parliament of attempting to overthrow the Commons. He was apprehended at Faversham, and imprisoned for two months in London. By appealing to the queen he was finally released from prison and entered the service as lieutenant general of ordnance. His leadership won him victory in seizing Gloucester in 1643 and he was later knighted by the king.