When Charles II required all female roles to be to be played by women in the early 1660s, the world of theatre was changed forever. The roles for women varied in size but were initially centered around displaying their bodies, not their acting abilities. We can see how their bodies were objectified by analyzing popular costumes and fashion of the 17th century. Portraits of some of the well-known actresses reveal more of their personas to the public and how they were seen as objects. Actresses were commonly considered the same as prostitutes, so choosing the public stage automatically labeled them as licentious women. Women were forced to conform to outward polar stereotypes of virgins or whores in order to establish successful careers. Actresses were primarily objects of desire to meet the needs of the male gaze; the patriarchal system reduced the art form to prostitution, although it provided women with work and agency.

Want a quick overview of theatre in the Restoration Period? Crash Course covers the same topics I plan to discuss and more in this video!