THE FIRST ENGLISH ACTRESSES by Elizabeth Howe ( 9780521422109 )

Item Details

Title:

THE FIRST ENGLISH ACTRESSES
WOMEN AND DRAMA, 1660-1700

By:

Elizabeth Howe

Format:

Paperback

List price:

£38.99

Our price:

£34.12

Discount:

12.5% off

You save:

£4.87

ISBN 10:

0521422108

ISBN 13:

9780521422109

Availability:

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Stock:

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Publisher:

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

Pub. date:

1 June, 1992

Pages:

244

Description:

This book describes how and why women were permitted to act on the public stage after 1660 in England.

Synopsis:

Before the Restoration of Charles II there were no professional actresses on the English stage, and female roles had almost always been played by men. This book describes how and why women were permitted to act on the public stage after 1660, and the consequences of their arrival for the drama of the period. Elizabeth Howe opens up a fascinating subject to non-specialists. Beginning with a general account of the workings of Restoration theatre, she goes on to explain the advent of the actresses and how they were treated. Perceived predominantly as sex objects, the actresses' sexuality was variously exploited in ways that had important consequences for drama. The book addresses questions that are relevant to women's issues in every period: how far did the advent of real women players alter dramatic portrayals of women? Did this encourage more or less equality between the sexes? Although in one sense merely playthings for a small male elite, the pioneering actresses also represent a distinct female voice in society and a fresh place in discourse.

Illustrations:

12 b/w illus. 2 tables

Publication:

Imprint:

Cambridge University Press

Returns:

Returnable

Some other items by this author:

ACTING ON ETHICS IN CITY PLANNING (HB)

FIRST ENGLISH ACTRESSES (HB)

HABITATS OF WALES (HB)

HANDS-ON NUMERACY BOOK 1 (PB)