Boy Actors in Early Modern England: Skill and Stagecraft in the Theatre

Boy Actors in Early Modern England: Skill and Stagecraft in the Theatre offers a fresh perspective on early modern boy actors by examining their physical skills and their impact on theatrical culture. It argues that the exuberant physicality of boy performers shaped their performances and how plays were written for them, and provides a critical reimagining of this important aspect of early modern theater.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Boy Actors in Early Modern England: Skill and Stagecraft in the Theatre is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the study of early modern boy actors. By re-evaluating their physical abilities, the book aims to reassess their significant contribution to early modern theatrical culture. Spanning the drama produced by all-boy and adult companies from the 1580s to the 1630s, the book argues that the vibrant physicality cultivated in boy performers influenced not only their performances but also the way plays were written for them.

Harry R. McCarthy's approach to boy performance is rooted in extensive analysis of a diverse range of plays, thorough examination of the cultural contexts in which they were written and performed, and contemporary practice-based research. This approach provides a critical reimagining of this important and distinctive aspect of early modern theatrical culture.

The book explores the physical skills of boy actors and their impact on their performances. It examines the training and techniques they employed to develop their abilities, such as voice training, movement, and stage combat. By understanding these skills, the book sheds light on the creative processes of playwrights.

Furthermore, the book delves into the cultural significance of boy actors in early modern England. It examines how they were perceived by audiences and how their performances shaped the social and political dynamics of the time. Boy actors were often used to portray noblemen and princes, which helped to reinforce the idea of aristocratic privilege and power. Their performances also played a role in shaping public opinion on gender roles and sexuality.

In conclusion, Boy Actors in Early Modern England: Skill and Stagecraft in the Theatre is a vital contribution to the study of early modern theater. By re-evaluating the physical abilities of boy actors and their cultural significance, the book offers a fresh perspective on this important period of theatrical history. It provides valuable insights into the creative processes of playwrights

ISBN-13: 9781009098953