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| Sarah Bernhardt as Hamlet |
Yes, of course Doctor Faustus was written centuries ago, and that's a pretty typical role for a woman in those days. (And not even actually for a woman, since it was likely played by a man.) But it's the 21st Century, and nontraditional casting is one of the glories of modern theatre. However, that nontraditional casting is often limited to two types: (1) people of color playing roles that are not traditionally played by people of color, and (2) men playing women.
For some reason, having women play men is a lot less frequent, but why? Why couldn't a woman play any of these roles in Doctor Faustus?
- WAGNER: Narrator of the play; A more refined and learned clown; Faustus’s servant.
- MEPHISTOPHILIS: A devil called on by Faustus. Depressed clerk who has worked at the same desk job for all these years.
- A clown; brazen fool, but not without native wit.
- Another clown / bumpkin; a complete idiot, innocence incarnate and a dupe; loveable and dangerously daft.
- The Devil; kind by temperament, but firm; likeable.
- An almost absent presence, like a wayward son or disaffected teen.
- Versatile utility actor, comedic clown.
