Charlotte Cushman

<p> Charlotte Cushman one of the great actors of 19th century American theatre was a lesbian who kept her identity hidden by focusing her career on male characters (Romeo Claude Melnotte Wolsey) and also on strong and passionate women (Lady Macbeth Bianca in <I>Fazio</I> and Queen Katherine in <I>Henry VIII</I>). This biography is an authoritative record of Cushman's life and performances showing how her complex gender identity illuminates and is illuminated by 19th century theatre critical views. Part One is a biography; Part Two is a performance history listing all of Cushman's known performances often with a description of her role and critical commentary.</p><p></p>