The Siege of Rhodes is important because it is believed to be the first time the general public had the opportunity to see a production with scenery on the stage in England. Before this time scenery had only been used in productions of masques, and some few plays at court, or in front of a select audience. Surprisingly The Siege of Rhodes was shown during the Interregnum when stage plays were forbidden. However, Sir William D'Avenant had already successfully shown a staged debate at his house, part of which was for and against staging opera, which he called The First Days Entertainment at Rutland House, by Declamations and Musick: after the manner of the Ancients. The long title was probably a deliberate …
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