The Romeo That Won't Be Forgotten
Charlotte Cushman, An Actress Remembered
Around this time, eight years ago, the world lost a beloved and talented soul. Miss Charlotte Cushman was a renowned actress, best known for her debuts as Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” or Cardinal Wolsey in “Henry VIII.” She was as well known in Europe as she was in the United States. Even though Charlotte was an incredibly popular and talented actress, she didn’t start out pursuing an acting career.
Charlotte was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1816. She began as an opera singer, though that didn’t work for her. Before her acting career took off, she performed as a singer in the Troy Theatre, located in the Cannon Place building. She was introduced to acting and began performing in the 1830’s. She travelled throughout New York during her career, and spent some time in Albany. In 1839, Cushman received praising reviews with her performance of Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth.” She was able to capture the hearts of even the most unfavorable of critics; James Sheridan Knowles once stated during Cushman’s performance of Romeo that “It was a scene of topmost passion, not simulated passion; no such thing- real, palpably real. The genuine heart storm was on in its wildest fullness of fury, and I listened and gazed and held my breath, while my blood ran hot and cold. I am sure it must have been the case with everyone in the house, but I was all absorbed in Romeo
till a thunder of applause recalled me to myself.” Even Queen Victoria was surprised by Charlotte’s performance in the male lead of Romeo, Her Majesty stated that she couldn’t believe Romeo was played by a woman. Miss Cushman’s performance style was unique among other females who took the roles of male characters. She was known to move around the stage during her performances rather than stay still to recite her lines. Also unlike other women, Miss Cushman was tall and portrayed a man very well.
Miss Charlotte Cushman was at the same professional level as other male actors she worked with. Examples of the famous actors she was in competition with were Edwin Forrest and Edwin Booth. When Forrest and Cushman performed in Britain, Cushman was better received by the British audiences, and became adored. She was one of the first American actresses to receive British acceptance. Forrest, on the opposite hand, had been more criticised. This led to competition between them after Forrest attempted to slander her with rumors. While she was still in Europe, Charlotte received some criticism after choosing to perform “Romeo and Juliet” using Shakespeare’s original script. At the time, it was popular that other performances of Shakespeare’s pieces were changed or rewritten. Despite this, she continued with her idea, and the play was a big success. Cushman has been described as a commanding woman, so she was not one to give up so
easily.
After performing throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, she retired to Rome, Italy. While there, she was part of a community with other female artists. These women would support each other in their projects. Some women that Charlotte Cushman was close to includes Emma Stebbins, Matilda Hays, Harriet Hosmer, and Edmonia Lewis. Miss Stebbins was a sculptor; one of her best works rests in New York City, the Bethesda Fountain. She and Cushman had a romantic relationship, which was well known
in Europe. Charlotte referred to Stebbins as her “wife” while they were together, and Miss Stebbins would be by Charlotte’s side until the latter’s death in 1876.
Miss Cushman’s affections for those of her sex did not have a negative impact on her acting career- if anything, it made her more popular with her fans. Charlotte not having an interest in men made her more respected, as other actresses of her time were too promiscuous. In her life, she had relationships with many other women, though her romances were often kept on the more quiet side. People lately state that Charlotte Cushman never had any lovers, that she wasn’t one for romance, but in Europe it was well known of the woman’s love for other females. In today’s time, her relationships are not well received due to the immoral behavior relationships like that are. It is obvious now that those sort of relationships make our country impure, and the good people of New York are already at work against those corrupting forces.
In 1874 before her death, she retired in New York. They were happy to have her back; there had been firework shows and celebrations in honor of Charlotte returning. Miss Cushman gave farewell performances, mostly consisting of her reading from plays or giving impressions of some of the characters she used to portray. Miss Cushman should be remembered as the great woman she was. She was America’s beloved actress who captured the hearts of the world. Though Charlotte has long passed, her memory should be honored, as she has blessed this world with her unique performances that made her name famous.
-Alexis Duncan
(Library of Congress)
(Library of Congress)
(Library of Congress)
(Library of Congress)