Shakespeare is an example of the ‘stereotypical female role’ although these roles were acted in the productions by men during this era, women would hold employment in theatres and go to see plays but were not allowed to act in the final productions whereas now gender is being explored and women are taking on some of Shakespeare’s most famous roles such as Hamlet or Romeo. In Patrîcia McIlrath’s book ‘Stereotypes, Types, and Characterisation in Drama’ she discusses the way that which social scientists have invented stereotypes in order...
Shakespeare is an example of the ‘stereotypical female role’ although these roles were acted in the productions by men during this era, women would hold employment in theatres and go to see plays but were not allowed to act in the final productions whereas now gender is being explored and women are taking on some of Shakespeare’s most famous roles such as Hamlet or Romeo. In Patrîcia McIlrath’s book ‘Stereotypes, Types, and Characterisation in Drama’ she discusses the way that which social scientists have invented stereotypes in order for the generalization of people. According to the BBC, another reputable source, it is easy for us to create stereotypes in drama but to create a character that breaks the mold is what really captures the audience’s attention. In a study it was found that there is a 2:1 ration that represents men-to-women that are shown across theatre from directors through to actors however according to Ipsos Mori a survey carried out in 2010 for the Society of London Theatre shows that around 68% of people who go to the theatre are women.
The next social issue I will be discussing is drugs and alcohol misuse, this is a taboo topic, and most productions are put on with adolescents/teenagers in mind as they are getting ready to come face-to-face with these issues. If the audience can engage and relate to the characters, then they are more likely to make better decisions and learn from the character’s situation. The audience can learn certain responses to dilemmas they may face in their own lives and have their views shaped by this.
