The Restoration of 1660 not only returned the English monarchy to the throne, but also brought plays back to the country's previously closed theaters. In fact, this “restoration” rather promised to be a revolution. Bold new practices were implemented. Rather than proceeding cautiously, to avoid antagonizing Parliament or religious groups, playwrights tackled controversial, even scandalous subjects, rewriting practices, questioning social taboos and even going beyond the limits set by the Elizabethans. It soon became clear that, like the new King Charles II, the Restoration theater would have a taste for bawdy comedy, a sense of beauty and a willingness to take risks and arouse public disapproval. Perhaps one of the most controversial, and certainly the most obvious change in theater was the introduction of actresses. Although other countries, such as France, had already integrated women into performances, when English theaters were closed, boys still played the female roles. (Ironically, however, although this was intended to reinforce notions of female modesty, it also offended those who thought it promoted effeminacy in men.) Thus, following the patents for the King's Company and the Duke's Company, Charles II issued a royal patent in 1662 proclaiming: Inasmuch as... women's roles [in many plays] have been played by men according to women's habits, at which some have taken offense, ...we allow and authorize all women's roles to be played. to be performed in either of the two companies from now on can be performed by women. (Styan 90)It was enough of a change in the country's popular entertainment to require legislation, but when the time came for the first female performances, their presence see...... middle of paper...... But in reality, the Restoration managed to take one step in the right direction toward women's equality, and two steps back. True control remained in the hands of male playwrights, theatergoers and, of course, the monarch himself. The actresses were able to briefly feel the power they might have had if they had been born male – and then it was taken away from them. Ultimately, rather than simply stripping women of their power, the Restoration stripped them of their clothes and their dignity on stage – and called it theater and sold tickets to the show. Works CitedFeminism and theater by Sue Ellen Case, The first English Actresses by Elizabeth Howe, Restoration comedy performed by JL Styan, The history of world theater by Felicia Harrison Lordre, An addiction of the first English actress by Pippa Guard, rape on Derek Hug He's restaurant scene