Theatre Database
Home | Ancient Theatre | Medieval Theatre | 16th Century | 17th Century | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century


THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA BY THE SPANIARDS

A brief synopsis and history of the play by John Dryden

The following article is reprinted from A Dictionary of the Drama. W. Davenport Adams. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1904.

The Conquest of Granada by the Spaniards, a tragedy in two parts by John Dryden, was entered on the Stationers' books in February, 1670-71, and published in 1672. The original cast at the Theatre Royal included Hart as Almanzor, Mohun as Abdelmelech, Kynaston as Boabdelin (King of Granada), Beeston as Somyn, Cartwright as Abenamar, Wintershal as Selin, Nell Gwynn as Almahide, Mrs. Marshall as Lyndaraxa, Mrs. Bowtel as Benzaida, Littlewood as Ferdinand (King of Spain), Bell as Duke of Arcos, and Mrs. James as Isabel (Queen of Spain). [Nell Gwynne spoke the prologue to the first part, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, in caricature of one with which Nokes had adorned himself on a similar occasion, and which had greatly entertained the public.] "The Moors are besieged in Granada. Almanzor, who is a stranger from Africa, performs prodigies of valour. He persists in his love for Almahide, notwithstanding that she is married to Boabdelin. At the conclusion, Boabdelin being killed, there is no longer any obstacle to the union of Almanzor and Almahide" (Genest). The tragedy was revived at Drury Lane on March 5, 1709, with Powell as Almanzor, Wilks as Osmyn, Mills as Abdelmelech, Husband as Boabdelin, Mrs. Knight as Lyndaraxa, and Mrs. Rogers as Almahide.

Back to John Dryden