Paper short abstract:

The entry of the actress in public theatre of Calcutta from 1874 was a landmark event for all women in India. But did this employment bring empowerment to these bold young girls who came from economically backward families and a new identity? or was the lure of security and family life too strong?

Paper long abstract:

After prolonged debate among the pioneers of Bengali theatre throughout the late 19th century, the public theatres of Calcutta decided to allow women to act in female roles from 1874 and that brought a new vigour and professionalism into Bengali theatre. My aim in this paper is to trace how much the actresses were successful in creating a niche for themselves in the world of theatre. They had to face and overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties in achieving success in the roles they were assigned in the plays but they did succeed. They achieved great fame and adulation. But the stigma that association with theatres had in the Bengali society tainted these women despite all their efforts. I would like to explore whether these performers were successful in unique ways in establishing an identity of their own while fighting for survival against all odds and discrimination in the period 1875-1930. The ideas that emerge may also echo similar experiences of first performers in other countries and other cultures as well.