was Aphra Behn’s (1640?-1689) only tragedy. It was performed in 1676 at a time when there was a vogue for the genre at both Drury Lane and Dorset Gardens theatres Nathaniel Lee had made his debut at Drury Lane with two ranting blood and thunder tragedies, and both Otway and D’Urfey had tragedies produced that year.
Abdelazermay have been shown earlier but it was certainly presented by the Duke’s Company at Dorset Gardens on 3rd July 1676.
It is not as good a play as Behn’s comedies although it is a much improved version of what is thought to be its source, Lust’s Dominion or the Lascivious Queen This was a tragedy usually attributed to Marlowe (1564-1593), although other authors have been suggested. It was published in 1657 and tells the story
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Citation: Lewcock, Dawn. "Abdelazer, or The Moor's Revenge". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 22 October 2007 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=6876, accessed 25 November 2024.]
