Turning Oppression into Success: How the English Restoration Actress Achieved Poetic Justice

Presenter Information

Reesa Nelson

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

SURC 137A

Start Date

17-5-2012

End Date

17-5-2012

Abstract

The development of English-language theatre was forever changed with the addition of women to theatre companies. Restoration actresses were able to use the changes in political, social, and religious climates to their advantage despite the manipulation of women’s sexuality through the roles they played. Actresses such as Nell Gwyn were able to turn their on-stage success with titillating roles into court connections and a sumptuous lifestyle. This paper examines the newly empowered women who earned prestige and financial stability through a career in the theatre while avoiding subversion by the patriarchal English Restoration society.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Brenda Hubbard

Additional Mentoring Department

Theatre

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May 17th, 3:20 PM May 17th, 3:40 PM

Turning Oppression into Success: How the English Restoration Actress Achieved Poetic Justice

SURC 137A

The development of English-language theatre was forever changed with the addition of women to theatre companies. Restoration actresses were able to use the changes in political, social, and religious climates to their advantage despite the manipulation of women’s sexuality through the roles they played. Actresses such as Nell Gwyn were able to turn their on-stage success with titillating roles into court connections and a sumptuous lifestyle. This paper examines the newly empowered women who earned prestige and financial stability through a career in the theatre while avoiding subversion by the patriarchal English Restoration society.