The Evolution of the Actress Essay Example
The Evolution of the Actress Essay Example

The Evolution of the Actress Essay Example

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From the 16th century to Sarah Bernhardt, the evolution of the actress is outlined. The fame and notoriety Sarah Bernhardt gained in film and on the French stage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a significant role in making acting a respected profession for women in European society.

Introduction: Sarah Bernhardt had a significant impact on the reputation of actresses. This section provides a brief overview of how female actors were viewed in society during different centuries. It also discusses the perceptions of female actresses prior to Bernhardt's era. The text then explores the role of women in theatre during the 16th Century, including their portrayal in Shakespearean plays. It mentions that women's roles were typically performed by young boys during this time. Additionally, it touches upon Commedia dell'Arte, an Italian form of improvised drama characterized by masked performanc

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es and often featuring a family cast with a husband and wife.

Despite facing opposition, women were able to perform on stage through this form of theatre in the 17th Century. They made their first appearances on both English and Parisian stages during this time. Actresses were viewed as improper and unwomanly due to publicly displaying themselves for their work. Nevertheless, women continued to participate actively in theatre throughout the 18th and early 19th Centuries.

Gender restrictions in the 18th and 19th centuries often limited women's activities. In high society of France, indulging in physical pleasures through aristocratic libertinism became a popular pursuit, which involved playing seduction games. Actresses gained preference among the elite over high-born women due to being unmarried and perceived as exotic. Interestingly, many of these actresses had former experience as prostitutes and wer

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known for their immoral reputation.

Allowed actresses to establish a reputation in the courts. Actresses in the 19th century began pursuing acting as a profession, although they were still overshadowed by males in society. Sarah Bernhardt's journey to success includes her early life.

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