SOURCE: Introduction to Claricilla, by Thomas Killigrew: A Critical Edition, Garland Publishing, 1980, pp. 1-92.

In the excerpt below, Reich provides a broad introduction to Claricilla, surveying such subjects as its date of composition, its performance history, and its genre. He also offers a critical appraisal of the work's literary merit.

General Introduction

Traditional misconceptions of the character and ability of Thomas Killigrew long prevented realization of his significant contributions to English dramatic history. However, studies by Nicoll, Hotson, and Harbage in the 1920's and 1930's¹ established his importance as manager of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane during the two decades following the Restoration of Charles II. It is now generally accepted that Killigrew's King's Men exceeded in both talent and prestige the Duke's Men of William Davenant, his co-patentee and rival. Killigrew's company boasted such names as those of the veterans Mohun and Hart, Kynaston (who deserted...