Description
Book SynopsisExplores the extent to which the early modern English stage came to reflect the presence and performances of Italian actresses.
Trade Reviewconvincing and thought-provoking * Opera News *
Rigorously researched...a landmark in both performance studies and transnational research in the field. * Scott A. Trudell, Shakespeare Quarterly *
Brown writes with vigor and flair...Brown's book makes the most detailed, sustained and persuasive case for the currency of the Italian actress on the Shakespearean stage, and for her invigorating impact on its drama. * Sophie Tomlinson, The University of Auckland *
[a] striking work of feminist scholarship. * Year's Work in English Studies *
Brown's book makes the most detailed, sustained, and persuasive case for the currency of the Italian actress on the Shakespearean stage, and for her invigorating impact on its drama. * Sophie Tomlinson, The Parergon *
Brown's work... is a virtuosic mix. Joining source study, performance history, and close reading, The Diva's Gift also folds in biography, vivid description (one of the great pleasures here is Brown's ability to conjure a scene), and methodological insight. Like the performers at the heart of this study, Brown wears her learning with grace. The result is a book that is not only deeply informative and thoroughly convincing-certain to reshape scholarly and classroom discussions of Shakespearean character-but also an outright thrill to read. * Laura Kolb, Modern Language Quarterly *
An excellent work that combines rigorous study of the Italian diva with often electric readings of the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, Brown's text is a fine addition to ongoing thinking about the discourses of gender, sexuality and nationality...Historicist, stimulating and lively, this is a fantastic piece of Shakespearian scholarship. * Ezra Horbury, ShSurvey *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: 'For what's a play without a woman in it?' 1: The Innamorata Ignites 2: Italianating the Boy 3: Dying to Act: From Bel-Imperia to Juliet 4: Who's It? Acting the Actress in Shakespearean Comedy 5: Hostile Makeovers 6: The Two Faces of Portia 7: 'Let all the dukes and all the devils roar!' Mad Skills of Madwomen Epilogue: Cleopatra's Sweat Appendix A. Notable Innamorata Roles Appendix B. Italian Documents Appendix C. Scenario
