This book explores the fascinating phenomenon of cross-casting and related gender issues in different theatrical genres and different performance contexts during the heyday of French theatre. Although professional acting troupes under Louis XIV were mixed, cross-casting remained an important feature of French court ballet (in which the King himself performed a number of women's roles) and an occasional feature of spoken comedy and tragic opera. Cross-casting also persisted out of necessity in the school drama of the period. This book fills an important gap in the history of French theatre and provides new insight into wider theoretical questions of gender and theatricality. The inclusion of chapters on ballet and opera (as well as spoken drama) opens up the richness of French theatre under Louis XIV in a way that has not been achieved before.

Autorentext
Julia Prest is Senior Lecturer in the Department of French at the University of St Andrews, UK.

Inhalt
Cross-Dressing and Cross-Casting Unattractive Women: Cross-Casting in Comedy Boys Will Be Girls: Cross-Casting in School Drama Female Roles in Court Ballet I: Men Playing Women Female Roles in Court Ballet II: Women Playing Women Cross-Casting and Gender Ambiguity in Opera