Vestal Flirtations: The Performance of the Feminine in Late-Nineteenth-Century British Music Hall

Date
2005
Authors
Featherstone, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
0893-7931
DOI
Volume Title
Publisher
Peer reviewed
Yes
Abstract
The essay explores the role of women performers in late nineteenth-century music hall by developing a theory of performative flirtation. It argues that the gendered dynamics of serio-comic modes such as those performed by Vesta Victoria and Marie Lloyd and of the male impersonations of Vesta Tilley provide materials to combat the routines of gender representation current in the 'legitimate' theatres of the period.
Description
Keywords
RAE 2008, UoA 65 Drama, Dance and Performing Arts, music hall, gender, flirtation, Vesta Victoria, Vesta Tilley, Marie Lloyd, male impersonation
Citation
Featherstone, S. (2005) Vestal flirtations: Performances of the feminine in the late nineteenth-Century British music hall. Nineteenth Century Studies, 19, pp. 99-112.
Research Institute