'n Historiese ondersoek na die aard van enkele aktrises se vertolking van broekrolle en 'n kreatiewe verkenning van geslagsverruiling op die verhoog

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The appearance of actresses on stage during the seventeenth century gave rise to the discarding ofgender boundaries and the exploration of male characters. By investigating the cause and effect andthe critical value of actresses assuming breeches parts ('broekrolle) within specific historical timelines and theatrical traditions, and a comparative study of the creation and portrayal of breechesparts within a South African context, I will endeavour to assess the success of the assumption ofmale characters on the stage.Actresses performing breeches parts were not necessarily in competition with their malecounterparts, but were often influenced by their socio-economic situations, as well as their naturalinclination to male identities.The appearance or beauty of the female performer has almost always been a defining factor in thecasting of a part and it is therefore possible that some actresses chose to perform breeches partsbecause their natural attributes might not have fallen within the general concept of beauty.Although the assumption of male characters was often categorized as sensation seeking and selfglorification,it was accepted during certain historical periods and the theatrical traditions of thetime. Breeches parts contributed towards the actress's level of skills, and thus to their financial gain.Within a South African context a comparative and personal perception will be investigated inrelation to the experiences of the above-mentioned actresses. Because of the hybrid quality of thecharacter of Ella/Max Gericke in As die Broek Pas (Man to Man), in other words, the duality of herperformed identity, the breeches part of Ella/Max differs from the traditional concept of breechesperformances.This aspect contributes to the process of self-assessment through performance as research – situatedknowledge.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University