Description
Book SynopsisVictorian 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.
Trade Review‘… an exceptionally detailed account of the triumphs and tragedies of selected English actresses who toured during the second half of the 19th century… The author carefully documents their entire careers, as measured by performances, playdates, and venues, plus reviews and various sources of biographical information.’
Reprinted with permission from Choice Reviews. All rights reserved. Copyright by the American Library Association
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Table of ContentsIntroduction
1 Debuts and learning the craft
2 Establishing a name
3 Working life in the UK
4 Touring North America
5 Long-distance colonial touring
6 Management
7 Off stage: family and personal life
8 Closing scenes: the ageing actress
Short biographies
References
