In “A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage,” Jeremy Collier presents a scathing critique of the theatrical practices in early 18th-century England. With a sharp, didactic style, Collier underscores the moral decay he perceives in plays of his time, highlighting their tendency to undermine societal values through misrepresentation of vice and virtue. His argument situates itself within the larger context of the Restoration theatre, shedding light on the dissonance between artistic expression and moral integrity while calling for a reevaluation of theatrical content's impact on public morality. Jeremy Collier (1650–1726), a clergyman and a prominent moralist, was influenced by the tumultuous landscape of English society post-Restoration, where licentiousness in art often mirrored the political and social upheavals of the time. His perspectives, shaped by a deep-seated commitment to moral philosophy and religious principles, prompt a reexamination of the consequences that art can have on behavioral norms, indicating his broader objectives as a reformer within both church and society. This essential text is recommended for scholars, theatre enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of morality and artistic expression. Collier's incisive observations provoke critical reflection on both historical and contemporary stages, making it a crucial read for those exploring the ethics of performance art.
