Gender Dynamics in Chinatown Theatre Spaces: Women on and off the Stage

Chinese opera used to be an all-male theatre because women were not allowed to be seen in public. Yes, as westerners who witnessed Chinese theatre in the 19th century described, women were among the audience in many places, though they sat in a specific area. After the turn of the century, all-female opera troupes emerged and became very popular in Shanghai and Canton. Canadian and American audiences were among the earliest to witness mixed-gender stage performances. Divas were particularly popular when the majority of the viewers were male, including merchants and laborers, arriving after the gold rush. This talk explores scenarios of gender dynamics in Chinatown theatre spaces from the 19th to the early 20th century.

This event is open to the public.