Aureng-zebe is a Restoration drama by John Dryden, written in 1675. It is based loosely on the figures of Aurangzeb (Aureng-zebe), the then King of India reigning under the Mughal Empire; his brother, Murad Baksh (Morat); and their father, Shah Jahan (Emperor). The piece is the last drama that Dryden wrote in rhymed verse. It is considered his best tragic work.
The premiere production by the King's Company featured Charles Hart in the title role, Michael Mohun as the Old Emperor, Edward Kynaston as Morat, William Wintershall as Arimant, Rebecca Marshall as the Empress Nourmahal, Elizabeth Cox as Indamora, and Mary Corbett as Melesinda.
Modern adaptations
The play was adapted as The Captive Queen, and performed by Northern Broadsides at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in February and March 2018. It was the final production with the company for its founder and artistic director Barrie Rutter, and as well as directing, he played the part of the emperor.
References
- John Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, London, 1708, Montague Summers, ed., London, Fortune Press ; reprinted New York, Benjamin Blom, 1963.
- Billington, Michael (8 February 2018). "The Captive Queen review – Rutter bows out with rhyming couplets and marital spats". The Guardian.
- "The Captive Queen". Shakespeare's Globe. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
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