Lisa Merrill is Professor of Communication and Performance Studies, Hofstra University. She is the co-author of The Power to Communicate: Gender Differences as Barriers, and the co-editor of Untying the Tongue: Power, Gender, and the Word.
". . . succeeds . . . in completely and fully restoring and
re-empowering Charlotte Cushman in her overlapping roles as both
actor and woman. It is a richly historicized and theoreticized
portrait of a multifaceted, paradoxical, altogether compelling
figure. As such, Merrill's work is not only an important theatrical
biography, but a signal study of the complex interstices between
public and private personas. . . . When Romeo Was a Woman is an
impressive scholarly achievement . . . . [It is] likely to stand as
the final word on Cushman for many years to come."
--Daniel J. Watermeier, University of Toledo, Theatre History
Studies, 1999--Daniel J. Watermeier, University of Toledo "Theatre
History Studies" (6/14/1999 12:00:00 AM)
". . . Lisa Merrill is able to shed light on the subject [of
Cushman's appeal], while offering readers an intriguing
interpretation of gender relations and much shrewd analysis of
great acting."
--American Theatre, July/August 1999-- "American Theatre" (7/8/1999
12:00:00 AM)
"A fascinating story, and a major contribution to our understanding
of lesbian history. . . . The work done on archival resources is
both impressive in its extent and wholly convincing in its
effect."
--Jacky Bratton, University of London--Jacky Bratton, University of
London (4/8/1999 12:00:00 AM)
"Fascinating and meticulously researched biography. . . . A
significant contribution to lesbian/gay theater history, this book
should have wide audience appeal."
--Library Journal, January 1999-- "Library Journal" (5/12/1999
12:00:00 AM)
"Merrill's attempt to focus a queer lens on Cushman's long-term
relationships with other women adds a significant layer of
integrity to the continuing recovery of this major figure in
theatre history. . . . Cushman, who brought an unprecedented level
of research and reconsideration to each of her theatrical roles,
would likely applaud Merrill's own investigative turn of mind. This
engrossing account follows her through three decades of
performance, travel and residence in the US, England, and Italy. .
. . . Lisa Merrill's careful reading of scrupulously marshaled
evidence casts new light upon the long history of the passionate
munificence of women's lives together."
--Marilyn Richardson, Women's Review of Books, July 1999--Marilyn
Richardson "Women's Review of Books" (7/6/1999 12:00:00 AM)
"This is the definitive biography of Cushman, a 'major contribution
to our understanding of lesbian history.' Richly illustrated and
highly anecdotal, it's also downright good dish."
--Carolyn Gage, Lambda Book Report, March 1999--Carolyn Gage
"Lambda Book Report" (6/14/1999 12:00:00 AM)
". . . succeeds . . . in completely and fully restoring and
re-empowering Charlotte Cushman in her overlapping roles as both
actor and woman. It is a richly historicized and theoreticized
portrait of a multifaceted, paradoxical, altogether compelling
figure. As such, Merrill's work is not only an important theatrical
biography, but a signal study of the complex interstices between
public and private personas. . . . When Romeo Was a Woman is
an impressive scholarly achievement . . . . [It is] likely to stand
as the final word on Cushman for many years to come."
--Daniel J. Watermeier, University of Toledo, Theatre History
Studies, 1999
". . . Lisa Merrill is able to shed light on the subject [of
Cushman's appeal], while offering readers an intriguing
interpretation of gender relations and much shrewd analysis of
great acting."
--American Theatre, July/August 1999
"A fascinating story, and a major contribution to our
understanding of lesbian history. . . . The work done on archival
resources is both impressive in its extent and wholly convincing in
its effect."
--Jacky Bratton, University of London
"Fascinating and meticulously researched biography. . . . A
significant contribution to lesbian/gay theater history, this book
should have wide audience appeal."
--Library Journal, January 1999
"Merrill's attempt to focus a queer lens on Cushman's long-term
relationships with other women adds a significant layer of
integrity to the continuing recovery of this major figure in
theatre history. . . . Cushman, who brought an unprecedented level
of research and reconsideration to each of her theatrical roles,
would likely applaud Merrill's own investigative turn of mind. This
engrossing account follows her through three decades of
performance, travel and residence in the US, England, and Italy. .
. . . Lisa Merrill's careful reading of scrupulously marshaled
evidence casts new light upon the long history of the passionate
munificence of women's lives together."
--Marilyn Richardson, Women's Review of Books, July 1999
"This is the definitive biography of Cushman, a 'major
contribution to our understanding of lesbian history.' Richly
illustrated and highly anecdotal, it's also downright good
dish."
--Carolyn Gage, Lambda Book Report, March 1999
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