Stage Rights!: The Actresses' Franchise League, Activism and Politics 1908-58

Stage Rights! explores the Actresses Franchise League, the first feminist political theatre group of the twentieth century, formed in 1908 to support the suffrage movement through theatre. It challenged stereotypes, created new work, and was an integral part of the performative propaganda of the campaign. This book is the first to focus on the League's membership and work, offering a historiographically innovative critical biography of the organization over fifty years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Stage Rights! delves into the remarkable work and enduring legacy of the Actresses Franchise League, the pioneering feminist political theatre group of the 20th century. Founded in 1908 with the noble mission of supporting the suffrage movement through the power of theatre, the League and its dedicated members paved the way for groundbreaking opportunities for women both on and off the stage. They shattered stereotypes, challenged conventions, and crafted new work that was deeply inspired by the suffrage movement. Moreover, the League played a vital role in the performative propaganda of the campaign, using the arts to amplify the voices of women and advocate for their rights.

This groundbreaking book, thanks to its extensive use of archival material, offers a fresh perspective on both suffrage and theatre histories. It is the first to provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the Actresses Franchise League, its membership, and its groundbreaking work. The volume is structured as a historiographically innovative critical biography, offering a fresh perspective on the organization's fifty-year journey. It invites readers to reassess the League's place within the established narratives of political theatre development in the UK, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on its significant contributions.

Through its exploration of the Actresses Franchise League, Stage Rights! sheds light on the transformative power of theatre and the unwavering determination of women to achieve equality. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the suffrage movement and the ongoing struggle for gender justice. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of politics, theatre, and social change.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 138 x 214 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526114808