Charlotte Cushman: A Biography and Performance History

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), and also on strong and passionate women (Lady Macbeth, Bianca in Fazio, and Queen Katherine in Henry VIII). This biography is an authoritative record of Cushman’s life and performances, showing how her complex gender identity illuminates and is illuminated by 19th century theatre critical views. 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.

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.