Early American Drama: The Contrast - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Contrast (1787), written by Royall Tyler, holds the distinction of being the first comedy written by an American to receive a professional production in the United States, marking a pivotal moment in American theatrical and literary history. This five-act comedy of manners, which premiered at New York's John Street Theatre on April 16, 1787, skillfully weaves social commentary with patriotic themes, establishing a uniquely American voice in dramatic literature.
Born in Boston in 1757, Royall Tyler crafted this seminal work during a transformative period in American history, merely four years after the Revolutionary War's conclusion. The play emerged from Tyler's observations while pursuing a legal career in New York City, where he witnessed the stark contrasts between European affectation and American values. This tension became the central theme of his work, manifested through the character of Colonel Manly, a forthright Revolutionary War veteran, and his foil, the anglophile Billy Dimple.
The Contrast's significance extends beyond its status as a "first." The play introduced the first Yankee character type to the American stage through Jonathan, Colonel Manly's servant, whose rural sensibilities and distinctive dialect would influence theatrical representations of American characters for generations to come. Tyler's work astutely captures the cultural anxieties of the early republic, particularly the struggle between maintaining American authenticity and embracing European sophistication.
Though The Contrast achieved initial success with both audiences and critics, its legacy has proven even more influential than its original run might suggest. The play continues to resonate with modern audiences through its exploration of national identity, social pretension, and cultural authenticity - themes that remain remarkably relevant in contemporary American discourse. Tyler's masterwork not only established a foundation for American dramatic literature but also provided a lasting lens through which to examine the perpetual tension between American values and foreign influences. Recent scholarly interest has focused on the play's subtle critique of early American consumerism and its prescient commentary on gender roles, suggesting that The Contrast remains a rich text for contemporary analysis and interpretation.
What began as a theatrical entertainment has evolved into a crucial historical document that illuminates the cultural and social dynamics of post-revolutionary America, while simultaneously raising questions about authenticity and national identity that continue to intrigue scholars and audiences alike.