Victorian touring actresses brings new attention to women’s experience of working in nineteenth-century theatre by focusing on a diverse group of largely forgotten ‘mid-tier’ performers, rather than the usual celebrity figures. It examines how actresses responded to changing political, economic and social circumstances and how the women were themselves agents of change. Their histories reveal dynamic patterns of activity within the theatrical industry and expose its relationship to wider Victorian culture. With an innovative organisation mimicking the stages of an actress’s life and career, the volume draws on new archival research and plentiful illustrations to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the women as they toured both within the UK and further afield in North America and Australasia. It will appeal to students and researchers in theatre and performance history, Victorian studies, gender studies and transatlantic studies.
Table of Content
Introduction
Chapter 1: Debuts and learning the craft
Chapter 2: Establishing a name
Chapter 3: Touring in North America
Chapter 4: Managerial endeavours
Chapter 5: Off stage: family and personal life
Chapter 6: Closing scenes: health and ageing
Afterpiece
Bibliography
About the author
Maggie B. Gale is Professor and Chair in Drama at The University of Manchester
Maggie B. Gale is Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham
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