"How often do women get to play these roles? And more, how often do audiences get to see this?" Liliana Macarone on playing THE romantic hero in Qld Shakespeare Ensemble's 'Romeo & Juliet'.
I think people would be more accepting of a female Richard III doing villainous things, than a female Romeo wooing a young girl. And this is surely the reason why I never expected the opportunity to play Romeo. Also, our culture tends to pigeon-hole full-bodied women (I am not physically boyish), and limit what women can play once they hit their 40s, which in my opinion really makes this representation significant. It’s exhilarating to get to play the romantic hero – with all his freedom and agency – winning the girl and defying the stars! How often do women get to play these roles? And more, how often do audiences get to see this?