The Cambridge Companion to the Actress

The collection of essays explores the evolving social and cultural roles of actresses throughout history, examining key developments such as professionalism in the seventeenth century and the rise of the actress as critic and autobiographer. It delves into diverse representations, including the actress as courtesan, muse, and political activist, while addressing themes like cross-dressing, solo performance, and racial constraints. Additionally, it highlights the impact of drama schools and the portrayal of actresses in early photography and film, offering insights that will engage both theatre enthusiasts and students.