Review of Stage Beauty (2004) by Irma M — 17 Jan 2009

If you are a theater history buff, this is worth a peek at. Although the sexual politics are extremely murky and conflicted--is he a man who like women? a man who is hetero? bisexual? Hmmm--the acting styles they try to embody and show (the transformation from stylistic 17th century artificiality to naturalistic realism) is interesting.

Although, naturalism cannot be happening in the 17th century--we still gotta go thru melodrama for goodness sake. However, the scenes between King Charles upon his return to England after the interregnum are charming.

Also too, recreation of 17th century theaters and their environments is thrilling. Final element worth noting--capturing in its story the rise of the female actor on the English stage.