Zoraida (play)

Zoraida is a 1779 tragedy by the British writer William Hodson with fictional characters based on the real story of the conquest of Egypt by Ottoman ruler Selim the First. The original Drury Lane cast included William 'Gentleman' Smith as Almaimon, Robert Bensley as Osman, James Aickin as Zirvad, John Phillimore as Heli, John Hayman Packer as Moralmin, John Palmer as Selim and Mary Ann Yates as Zoraida.[2]

Zoraida
Written byWilliam Hodson
Date premiered13 December 1779[1]
Place premieredTheatre Royal, Drury Lane
Original languageEnglish
GenreTragedy

Plot

Act 1

In scene 1, Zoraida, a female orphan at the court of Egypt, talks to her friend Zulima (who is the daughter of Moralmin, the Governor of Cairo for Almaimon and who grew up with Zoraida) about her worries regarding her parents' past against the terror of the rule of Ottoman Emperor Selim the First, concealed by his adopted parents and fears that Almaimon will die. Zulima comforts her by reminding her of Almorad's affection to Zoraida as an adopted parent during her happy days. In scene 2, Moralmin talks to Zoraida, eager to share his rosy expectations for Almaimon reclaiming Egypt from Selim the First. Zulima suggests to Zoraida to join the fight; however, Zoraida suggests, as her sex limits from participating in battle, for Zulima to pray to Allah to wish the people fighting in battle good luck. In Scene 3, Almaimon faces a tough fight and senses the defeat of his army and worries about Zoraida being in bad hands. In scene 4, Moralmin, now prisoner of Selim I, is questioned by Selim, and Moralmin confesses his loyalty for Almaimon despite being captured and instead curses the glory of Selim be destroyed in ruins. In scene 5, Osman seemingly shows his loyalty to Selim while secretly seeking vengeance. In Scene 6, at the castle, despite Zulima's persuasions, Zoraida has a pessimistic view of the battle and tries to give up, but changes her mind after realizing she does not wish to be caught as a captive of the enemy. In scene 7, the situation escalates as the betrayal of Almaimon's troops excacerbates the battle on the Almaimon's side. In scene 8, Motafar notifies the crew of the princess's escape as well as his support of their escape.

Act 2

Zoraida comes before Selim as a captive and is taken to his harem. Selim tries to steal her heart, which, unbeknownst to him, is what Osman intends to distract Sultan from being aware of his plans. Meanwhile, Almaimon is saddened by Zoraida's capture. Almaimon receives a scroll about Osman, which would later help with his mission of liberating Egypt and freeing Zoraida. Almaimon meets Osman and tells him his risky plans in detail: an attack while the guards are asleep.

Act4

Zoraida hears a false tesitmony from Zulima that Almaimon is murdered. Zulima also worries that her sire Moralmin is dead. Meanwhile, Selim feels betrayed by Osman for the rescue mission, saying he would be noble. However, Selim decides to trust Osman one more time to persuade Almaimon.

Act5

Selim returns Zoraida to Almaimon. Almaimon thanks God for their reunion.

References
  1. Hogan p.303
  2. Hogan p.303

Bibliography
  • Nicoll, Allardyce. A History of English Drama 1660-1900: Volume III. Cambridge University Press, 2009.
  • Hogan, C.B (ed.) The London Stage, 1660-1800: Volume V. Southern Illinois University Press, 1968.

Full original text of Zoraida.


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