Anti-theatrical prejudice embedded in patriarchy

What were the roots of the strong anti-theatrical prejudice extant in pre-Civil War America? why was even theater attendance considered improper for women?

Theaters negative reputation during the Victorian era stemmed from its association with sex and sexual display throughout history. Prior to the Victorian age, sex was viewed as both an appropriate display and topic of discussion outside the sanctity of marriage. However, the Victorians, obsessed with puritan ideals, accepted the preconceived stereotypes of actors and particularly actresses to condemn the group. In the following essay I will identify some of the historical contexts that contributed to the Victorians disapproval of actresses and explain why even theater attendance was considered improper for women of the era.

Theaters developed during the era of Shakespeare have historically been associated with prostitution, as brothels were next door to the theater. Consequently, the theater became known as a place where sex prevails behind the curtain and where the prostitution market prospers. Also, during the times of ancient Rome women performers made twice as much prostituting then non-performing women. The affiliation between prostitution and theater, thus, convinced Victorians that the terms "prostitute" and "actress" were synonymous.

Actresses were also compared to prostitutes, because they wore unconventional clothes and make-up, that were viewed as promiscuous for the Victorian Era. The same comparison was made between the two groups in regards to the gestures they utilized, which were not considered respectable. Though I believe that some Victorians truly believed that the connection between actresses and prostitutes existed, I think that this rhetorical argument was used as a device to constrain women from gaining social power. We have to remember that individuals in power tend to oppress those that are underprivileged. They hope to keep their power by keeping individuals in an ignorant state. Thus, the men in power (the privileged class) attempted to persuade women that they should not attend theatrical events.

"Women are fragile creatures. They may be susceptible to improper influence if women view a show with actresses," a Victorian might say. Most Victorian men would agree, "women ought to be at home caring to their domestic duties as a good woman should." These are both arguments embedded in the Victorian culture. Perhaps the privileged class was frightened that if women were exposed to the sexual and intellectual nature of these actresses, they would be on the road to gaining cultural freedom. Consequently, economic freedom may emerge later on for women, which would prohibit the ruling class from exerting their power and influence over females.