The Law Against Lovers was first launched as a dramatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous works, Measure for Measure and Much Ado about Nothing.
A strange and rather comedic combination that was seen on stage, has basically been passed as a jumbled up, yet highly successful parody of Shakespeare’s original plays, its creator, Sir William D’Avenant, managing to put together a true masterpiece that focuses on the complexity and intrigue revolving around well-known Shakespearian characters, such as Benedick and Beatrice from Much Ado for Nothing, together with Isabella and Pompey Bum from Measure for Measure.
After several reproductions of the play made after its publication, the Law Against Lovers book was first published with a great degree of success at the beginning of the 20th century. Prior to its publication, a great number of changes were made to the storyline, many of which have received both praise and criticism. A few examples are D’Avenant’s initiative in turning Angelo and Benedick into actual brothers, as well as the addition of Beatrice’s younger sister Viola, a talented singer and dancer.
While some of those who contributed to the play’s promotion – such as D’Avenant himself – tried to hide its roots as a Shakespearean reproduction, others, including Charles Gildon – the producer of a re-adaptation of the Law Against Lovers from 1699 – have tried to make people aware of the play’s lineage, even going as far as to introduce Shakespeare’s ghost at the end of the story.
The humorous and somewhat unusual combination of Shakespeare’s well-known plays and D’Avenant’s intriguing, as well as original ideas and introductions have sparked controversy among the Bard’s fans, while causing others to revere the sharp new additions as true improvements. The Law Against Lovers is, considered to be a remarkably important cultural gem.