Don’t Be So Dramatic, Woman!

Abstract

The history of theatre displays a long lineage of male produced plays. Dramaturgy, itself was shaped by men and has ever since been focused on men, and men’s perspectives and interpretations of the world. Playwriting, acting and directing, for example remain to this day specifically male domains, and female playwrights and directors who have managed to challenge this end up facing significant backlash or simply do not receive the recognition they deserve at all. Women in the theatrical world today continue to be suppressed to find inclusivity and acceptance in theatre. Our project therefore, explores the role of women in today’s American theatre. Why is it important to have women’s work represented in theatre? Additionally, we will discuss the harm on the American cultural thought in having theatre produced by American men only. We contend that a representation of women’s work in American theatre allows for better women empowerment, and that the experiences of female theatre artists are as valuable as their male counterparts.