Joseph Atkinson (dramatist) facts for kids

Joseph Atkinson (1743–1818) was an Irish dramatist. A dramatist is someone who writes plays for the theater. Before becoming a writer, he served in the army. He eventually became a captain.

Plays by Joseph Atkinson

Joseph Atkinson wrote several plays that were performed in his time. He often adapted his plays from other works, especially French ones. This was a common practice for playwrights back then.

Mutual Deception and Tit for Tat

In 1785, Atkinson wrote a comedy called Mutual Deception. It was first performed in Dublin, Ireland. The next year, another writer named Colman changed the play. He removed the serious parts and renamed it Tit for Tat. This new version was shown at the Haymarket Theatre in London. Atkinson said his comedy parts were inspired by an Italian play.

A Match for a Widow

In 1786, Atkinson created an opera in Dublin. It was called A Match for a Widow, or the Frolics of Fancy. An opera is a play where the story is told mostly through singing. The music for this opera was written by a composer named Dibdin. This opera was based on a French comedy. Other writers, like Mrs. Inchbald and Miss Sheridan, had also used the same French story for their own plays.

Love in a Blaze

In 1800, Atkinson's comic opera Love in a Blaze was performed. It was shown at the Cork Street Theatre. A comic opera is a funny play with singing. This play was also based on a French play. The music for Love in a Blaze was composed by John Andrew Stevenson. His music helped make the show a success.