(Re)defining gender in early modern English drama

This book studies dramatic texts, dedications, autobiographies, adaptations and performative practices, to prove that the boundaries between on and off stage performances of gender are blurred. The limits that separate theatre and life are highly permeable and the relations between both are bidirectional: the performativity of gender and identity.

Taking as its common thread the overtly theatrical nature of early modern society and its cultural and political manifestations this book studies dramatic texts, dedications, autobiographies, adaptations and performative practices, to prove that the boundaries between on and off stage performances of gender are blurred. Thus, the limits that separate theatre and life are highly permeable and the relations between both are bidirectional: the performativity of gender and identity is an idea that the theatre takes from and transfers to society. This concept is applied to a wide timeframe creating a dialogue between different historical times and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, the authors explore sexualities as written and performed by both men and women, offering a wider scope to determine whether and to what extent normative gender roles are being questioned, contested or reinforced.

Autorentext

Laura Martínez-García is a lecturer at the University of Oviedo (Spain). Her research focuses on the constructions of gender in 17thcentury English drama written by female playwrights as well as their views on Anglo-Iberian relations. María José Álvarez Faedo is a senior lecturer at the University of Oviedo. Her main areas of research are English drama, emotions and affections in Renaissance, Restoration, 18th- and 19th-century literature, Arthurian literature and the influence of Don Quixote in English literature.

Inhalt
Introduction Negotiating Gender Off Stage: Patronesses, Celebrities And Playwrights Women Acting: Performance, Identity And Power Men On Stage: Buttressing And Questioning Notions Of Manhood Women Rewriting Men: Aphra Behn on Masculinity