Charlotte Cushman

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), but also on strong and passionate women (Lady Macbeth, Bianca in Fazio, and Queen Katherine in Henry VIII). This is the first book-length biography of Cushman, covering both her personal and professional lives. 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 by the author.

A vivid picture emerges of Charlotte Cushman both on and off the stage in this sorely-needed update of her life and performance history. Arthur Bloom has captured definitively the essence of Cushman's challenges, successes, and relationships (both professional and personal). Significantly, he combines extensive contemporary documentation and context with an appropriate 21st Century interpretation to pay overdue homage to this uniquely powerful actress."—Thomas A. Bogar, author of American Presidents Attend the Theatre and Backstage at the Lincoln Assassination"An engaging biographical account of a colorful female actor of the nineteenth century. A must-read for those who have only just begun discussing non heteronormativity in acting—you might have much to learn from theatre history and indeed this precious book!"—Professor Ross W. Prior, author of Teaching Actors: Knowledge Transfer in Actor Training."Precisely researched and skillfully written, Charlotte Cushman: A Biography and Performance History qualifies as an important addition to the field of cultural studies. Arthur W. Bloom delivers an engrossing account of a woman who had the boldness to follow her passions—both on and off the stage."—David Freeland, author of American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century"With meticulous research and careful commentary, Bloom walks through the challenge and success of Cushman's navigating life in the nineteenth century as an actor and a queer woman. At a time when women were expected to conform to acceptable values of 'true womanhood,' brash Cushman (who towered over her male counterparts in height and emotion as Lady Macbeth) comes across as both remarkable and relatable in her efforts to be good in the public eye, to be great onstage, and to be true to herself throughout."—Betsy Golden Kellem, historian and media attorney, board member of the Barnum Museum and the Circus Historical Society

The late Arthur W. Bloom was a retired dean from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and the author of biographies of Joseph Jefferson, Edwin Booth and Edwin Forrest. He lived in Chalfont, Pennsylvania.