Synopses & Reviews
Review
"...packed with new information on women involved in drama of the times, from analysis of theatre objectives and performance technicalities to consideration of how actresses were treated by companies and society during the times." The Midwest Book Review"...a detailed, meticulous study, which will be of interest to the specialist as well as the general reader....presents an enormous amount of information and will almost certainly provide the impetus for future studies." Elizabeth D. Harvey, Renaissance Quarterly
Synopsis
This book describes how and why women were permitted to act on the public stage after 1660 in England.
Synopsis
There were no professional actresses on the English stage before the Restoration of Charles II and female roles were almost always played by men. This book describes how and why women were permitted to act on the public stage after 1660, as well as the consequences.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 208-220) and index.
Table of Contents
Illustrations; A note on styling, dates and editions used; Preface; Introduction; 1. The arrival of the actress; 2. Sex and violence: the exploitation of the actress in Restoration drama; 3. The actress, the dramatist and comedy; 4. Life overwhelming fiction: how actresses' own personalities affected their roles; 5. Elizabeth Barry and the development of Restoration tragedy; 6. The actress as dramatic prostitute/mistress; 7. The angel and the she-devil and their impact on Restoration drama; 8. Conclusion: the achievement of the first English actresses; Appendix I. Major actresses and their roles; Appendix II. Plays in which Barry and Bracegirdle appeared together; Notes; Bibliography; Index.