The First English Actresses: Women and Drama, 1660–1700

by Elizabeth Howe

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. Elizabeth Howe opens up a fascinating subject to nonspecialists. Beginning with a general account of the workings of Restoration theater, she explains the treatment received by the actresses and how their sexuality was exploited. The book addresses questions that are relevant to women's issues in every period: how far did the advent of 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 new female voice in society and a new place in discourse.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Theatre

244 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 1992

Reviews

[Rachel Adiyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very academic and dry; it was as if the author were afraid of making the prose too lively lest her commitment to history be questioned. But the information presented was quite interesting. The first English actresses started a struggle for livable wages which continues to this day; they only received a fraction of what the male actors received. Of course, there was a certain justification for this, as many times the actresses were only required to act as a literal set piece, not uttering a word or moving. Also the actresses were treated with a complete lack of respect in every way.

Fascinating if you can bear the bone dry writing style.

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Restoration drama can never be properly understood unless we take into account of which actresses were available at each and every stage of its development" (Howe: 90)

This book explains the situation of female actresses in England, covering topics such as when and why British women began to appear on stage and the impact this had on the history of British theater.

The book is moody. Sometimes the author is optimistic and can't stop telling how successful these women were, the positive results they brought in or how much they influenced theater. But on a different occasion the author labels the impact of these women as limited or even negative. At some point she considers their success based on the men they were in a relationship with, thus removing all value from these women.

Throughout the book the author tries to put forward some theories about certain issues. However, the way in which she writes these is weak. Using "perhaps", "partly" or "presumably" undermines the book. All in all, the book topic is great but it should have been written in a better assertive language , which would have made the book far more powerful and feminist.