---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 29 Jan 1995 19:44:32 -0500 From: Janice Liedl <[log in to unmask]> To: Multiple recipients of list FICINO <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Why Boy Actors? This thread has aroused my curiosity. I've a reference to a 1536 mss mentioning the corrupting influence of plays (esp. those of Robin Hood and Marian). Does anyone (maybe from REED) have reference to women's role/who portrayed them for these pre-Elizabethan plays? I'd also be interested in learning how and when women participated in amateur stagings/entertainments/etc. I've seen a great deal on the ceremonial festivities (such as triumphs) where women play some roles-- are those a rare exception or more the rule for non-professional entertainments in the Renaissance? Such information would be very intriguing to include in a forthcoming class discussion in my women and the family history course. -------------------------------- Janice Liedl, Dept. of History "Like as his life was wicked and full [log in to unmask] of dissimulation, so was his end Laurentian University thereafter." -- Lady Jane Grey Dudley Sudbury, Ontario (d. 1554) on the Duke of Northumberland --------------------------------