Elizabeth Cooper (dramatist)

Elizabeth Cooper (fl. 1735-1737) was an 18th-century English dramatist and translator. Very little is known about her life, including her birth and death dates. She is primarily remembered for her play The Rival Widows; or, Fair Libertine, a comedy first performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1735 and published the same year.

The play, while not a critical success, provides insight into the social mores and gender dynamics of the period. It features themes of female independence, financial security, and the complexities of widowhood within the context of courtship and marriage. Cooper's writing explores the challenges women faced in navigating a society where their options were often limited by their marital status and economic standing.

In addition to her original play, Cooper also translated Louis Riccoboni's Histoire du Théâtre Italien (History of the Italian Theatre) into English, publishing it in 1736. This translation contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Italian theatrical traditions in England. It made a significant body of work accessible to an English-speaking audience, fostering a broader awareness of European dramatic practices.

Cooper's contributions, though limited in scope by the single known play and translation, are valuable for researchers interested in women's dramatic writing and theatrical history of the 18th century. Her work offers a glimpse into the perspectives and concerns of women writers during a period when their voices were often marginalized. Further research may reveal additional information about her life and other potential literary works.