Did They Change Actresses in Tudor?
The Tudor period, spanning from 1485 to 1603, was a time of great cultural and artistic change in England. It was a time when the stage became an integral part of the social fabric, with drama and theatre becoming increasingly popular among the populace. One question that often arises in discussions about Tudor theatre is whether or not the actresses of the time were changed or replaced. This article aims to explore this question, delving into the historical context and the role of women in Tudor theatre.
During the Tudor period, the stage was dominated by male actors, with women being largely excluded from performing. This exclusion was not due to a lack of talent or interest among women, but rather due to the social and religious norms of the time. The theatre was considered a lowly profession, and women were expected to focus on domestic duties and marriage. As a result, female roles were played by young boys or men, often referred to as “boys players” or “boy actors.”
However, there were instances where women did perform on the Tudor stage. One notable example is the actress Mary Fitton, who is believed to have performed as a boy actor at the Theatre of the Earl of Worcester. Fitton’s performances were well-received, and she was even mentioned in contemporary accounts. Despite her success, Fitton was not a permanent fixture in the theatre, and it is unclear whether or not she was replaced by another actress during her time on stage.
The question of whether or not actresses were changed in Tudor theatre is further complicated by the fact that the evidence is limited. Historical records are often sparse, and it can be difficult to determine the extent to which women participated in the theatre. However, it is evident that women did perform on the Tudor stage, albeit in a limited capacity.
One possible reason for the lack of evidence regarding changes in actresses is the transient nature of the theatre itself. Tudor plays were often performed only once or twice, and the cast was often rotated. This meant that the same actors might not perform in every production, making it difficult to track individual performers. Additionally, the lack of documentation regarding female actors may be due to the fact that they were not considered significant enough to merit mention in contemporary records.
In conclusion, while it is difficult to say definitively whether or not actresses were changed in Tudor theatre, it is clear that women did perform on the stage during this period. The evidence suggests that the participation of women in Tudor theatre was limited, and their roles were often played by young boys or men. The reasons for this exclusion were rooted in the social and religious norms of the time, which viewed the theatre as a lowly profession and women as homemakers. Despite these limitations, the contributions of women, such as Mary Fitton, remind us that the Tudor stage was not entirely devoid of female performers.
