The aim of this B.A. thesis is to shed light on the phenomenon of the boy actors and to illustrate the presence of gender roles in Shakespearian theatre, incorporating the pastoral comedy As You Like It by William Shakespeare. The present thesis is guided by a wide reading of critical sources concerning the issue of gender performance in plays and the concept of cross-dressing in Elizabethan theatre. Firstly, a brief introduction of both the social and theatrical conditions of the sixteenth century is given, with the attempt of portraying the relevance of female characters in theatre. Secondly, the analysis of the comedy As You Like It with a special focus on the character Rosalind will be carried out and gender-related issues will be further examined.

"The Phenomenon of Boy Players in Elizabethan Theatre"

PROFANTER, HANNAH
2022/2023

Abstract

The aim of this B.A. thesis is to shed light on the phenomenon of the boy actors and to illustrate the presence of gender roles in Shakespearian theatre, incorporating the pastoral comedy As You Like It by William Shakespeare. The present thesis is guided by a wide reading of critical sources concerning the issue of gender performance in plays and the concept of cross-dressing in Elizabethan theatre. Firstly, a brief introduction of both the social and theatrical conditions of the sixteenth century is given, with the attempt of portraying the relevance of female characters in theatre. Secondly, the analysis of the comedy As You Like It with a special focus on the character Rosalind will be carried out and gender-related issues will be further examined.
2022
"The Phenomenon of Boy Players in Elizabethan Theatre"
boy players
elizabethan theatre
William Shakespeare
cross-dressing
gender roles
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/42849