A History of the RSC in 50 Objects (Online)

JACKET WORN BY IMOGEN STUBBS

The Rover, 1986

Playwright:  Aphra Behn (1640 – 1689)
Director:  John Barton
Costume Designer: Louise Belson

The Rover was written in two parts in 1677 and 1681 by English author Aphra Behn. Behn was one of the first women in England to earn a living as an author.

Revivals of Behn's work were rare and Barton was praised for rescuing The Rover 'after centuries of stage oblivion'. Imogen Stubbs played Hellena, a young woman about to enter a convent. Jeremy Irons played Willmore – the Rover referred to in the title of the play. The production was set in a Spanish colony and had a carnival feel.

The Rover was part of the first season in the newly opened Swan Theatre. The building had been reopened to show such plays.