Fans of theatre and those with a respect for the women who have created it will want to add the book From Aphra Behn to Fun Home: A Cultural History of Feminist Theater to their collection. Written by theatre historian and journalist Carey Purcell, the book is an essential read for anyone who knows that women have struggled to be heard in the male-dominated profession of playwriting. Purcell walks us through history, pointing out the places where women’s voices have shown through, shaping and redefining the art of playwriting. 

Purcell has doggedly researched this book, getting at the roots of women’s contributions to the world of theatre. Not only does she explore the work of great playwrights such as Aphra Behn, Lillian Hellman, Caryl Churchill, Pam Gems, Wendy Wasserstein, Paula Vogel, Lynn Nottage, Tony Award-winning directors Garry Hynes and Julie Taymor, she has also found compelling examples of more obscure female writers throughout history, such as the nun Hrotsvitha, born circa 935 who wrote six comedies (though they were not published until 1501). It is heartening to note that there were women writers that were preserving their ideas about the world, even in times where it was frowned upon to do so. 

The author delves into the necessity for women to reflect their own gender on the stage through the theatrical experience. When one considers that, for centuries, men were doing the bulk of interpreting women for the stage, it brings into question the authenticity of their portrayal. It stands to reason that Purcell has sought out voices throughout history that would provide those who love and study theatre an opportunity to hear the full story, the writers that could convey 50% of the population with a truth and perspective that only they could offer.

From Aphra Behn to Fun Home: A Cultural History of Feminist Theater is a thrilling read, a concise road map through stories that need to be heard. Purcell makes it a joy to unearth these details, some that we might know, but much more that we do not. You will find this book hard to put down, each discovery along the way making you slap your head and say, “Of course, these voices were here all along.” Time for us to wake up and listen.