The Role of Women

Women barred

In Webster's day, women were not allowed to act on the stage in England. All the female roles in the drama of the time were played by adolescent boys whose voices had not broken – including such famous romantic leads as Cleopatra and Juliet.

In The White Devil, Vittoria and Isabella would have been played by boys. Cornelia would also have been played by a boy - though probably one in his later teens - or by a young man.

This situation did not change until after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, who had spent many years in France where customs were different.

Scan and go

Scan on your mobile for direct link.