ABSTRACT
Godwin began writing Alonzo, the play's original title, on 26 June 1797. He worked on it irregularly for the rest of the year and then stopped. He returned to it in October 1798 and finished a first draft in March 1799. He revised the play from December 1799 until November 1800. The cast of Antonio included the leading actor and actress of the day in the lead roles: John Kemble and Sarah Siddons. Other cast members were William Barrymore, Richard Wroughton, Charles Kemble, William Powell and Mr Maddocks. The audience and critical reaction was negative and the play was not performed again. Godwin cuts out some of the references to Antonio being a soldier and to war; he adjusts stage directions in suggestive ways; and the denouement receives a high proportion of changes which tightens the action.
