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Disability Performance in the Early Modern English Theater

Glen Powell

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Published in Unfixable Forms: Disability Performance And The Early Modern English Theater

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The early modern English theater was a vibrant and diverse landscape, and disabled performers played a significant role in its development. These actors and actresses brought their own unique experiences and perspectives to the stage, enriching the theatrical experience for audiences of all kinds.

Disability in Early Modern England

In early modern England, disability was viewed very differently than it is today. People with disabilities were often seen as objects of pity or ridicule, and they were often excluded from mainstream society. As a result, many disabled people turned to the theater as a way to express themselves and find a sense of community.

Disabled Actors and Actresses

There are many examples of disabled actors and actresses who achieved great success in the early modern English theater. One of the most famous was Thomas Gower, who was born with a hunchback. Gower went on to become one of the most popular comic actors of his day, and he even performed for Queen Elizabeth I.

Unfixable Forms: Disability, Performance, and the Early Modern English Theater

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Language	:	English
File size	:	18262 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages

Another famous disabled actor was Edward Alleyn, who was born with a clubfoot. Alleyn went on to become one of the leading tragedians of his time, and he was a founding member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the theater company that later became known as the King's Men.

Disability and Characterization

In addition to disabled actors and actresses, there were also many disabled characters in early modern English plays. These characters were often used to explore themes of identity, difference, and social acceptance.

One of the most famous examples of a disabled character in early modern English drama is Richard III. Richard was born with a hunchback and a withered arm, and his physical deformities are used to symbolize his inner evil. Richard is a complex and tragic figure, and his story has been told and retold for centuries.

Another famous example of a disabled character in early modern English drama is Caliban from Shakespeare's The Tempest. Caliban is a deformed slave who is often seen as a symbol of the colonized Other. Caliban is a complex and sympathetic character, and his story has been interpreted in many different ways.

The Importance of Disability Performance

Disability performance in the early modern English theater is an important part of theatrical history. It allowed disabled actors and actresses to express themselves and find a sense of community. It also helped to challenge prevailing stereotypes about disability.

Today, disability performance continues to be an important part of the theater landscape. It allows disabled actors and actresses to tell their own stories and challenge stereotypes. It also helps to create a more inclusive and representative theater world.

Disability performance in the early modern English theater was a vibrant and diverse tradition. It allowed disabled actors and actresses to express themselves and find a sense of community. It also helped to challenge prevailing stereotypes about disability. Today, disability performance continues to be an important part of the theater landscape, and it plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive and representative theater world.

Unfixable Forms: Disability, Performance, and the Early Modern English Theater

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