First Performance and Publication

Thomas Otway’s first play, Alcibiades, was performed in September 1675 by the Duke of York’s Theatre at Dorset Garden, and does not appear to have been performed since. It was published in 1675, with a dedication to Charles Sackville, 1st Earl of Middlesex, a prominent wit in the court of Charles II and a friend of the Earl of Rochester. Although Alcibiades has been forgotten by theatregoers today, it is noteworthy in the history of Restoration drama not only for Otway’s debut, but also for the first performance of the actress Elizabeth Barry in the supporting role of Draxilla. The professional collaboration of Otway and Barry was ultimately instrumental in shifting Restoration drama in the direction of pathetic tragedy through such works as The

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Citation: Gates, Daniel. "Alcibiades". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 07 June 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=6791, accessed 19 March 2024.]

6791 Alcibiades 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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