On International Women’s Day, March 8th, we want to celebrate the incredible contributions that women have made to theatre throughout history. From playwrights and performers to directors, designers, and producers, women have helped shape the stage in many profound ways, often overcoming significant barriers along the way. So here is a list of 20 amazing women in theatre who have left us a lasting legacy of their bravery, creativity and tenacity. While we can’t name them all, here are a few of our favourite trailblazers who have inspired us, many of whom continue to advocate for greater gender equality in the performing arts to this day.
1. Aphra Behn (1640–1689) – England’s first professional female playwright
Aphra Behn broke into a male-dominated theatre scene and became one of the first women in England to make a living as a playwright. Her most famous work, The Rover, challenged gender roles and helped pave the way for future women writers. Her life was as adventurous as her works, involving alleged espionage for King Charles II in Antwerp and time in a debtor’s prison. However, despite facing significant challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, Behn’s wit, talent, and determination earned her a place in literary history.
By Peter Lely – lwGI2jMIRnHhPg at Google Cultural Institute maximum zoom level, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21980822
2. Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923) – The first global theatre star
Sarah Bernhardt, born Henriette-Rosine Bernard on October 22, 1844, was a legendary French stage actress known for her dramatic flair and powerful performances. Often referred to as “La Divine Sarah,” she was one of the most famous actresses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Bernhardt’s career began in the 1860s, and she quickly rose to prominence with her roles in plays such as “La Dame aux Camélias” by Alexandre Dumas Fils and “Ruy Blas” by Victor Hugo. She was known for her ability to portray both male and female characters, including Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Her performances were characterised by her so-called, “golden voice” and her ability to captivate audiences with her emotional intensity.
In addition to her stage career, Bernhardt was one of the early actresses to make sound recordings and to act in motion pictures. She was also a businesswoman, a fashion icon, and a sculptor. Her strong-willed personality and determination to break societal norms made her a trailblazer in many ways.
Bernhardt’s influence extended beyond the stage, as she helped popularise the work of artist Alphonse Mucha, who created iconic Art Nouveau posters featuring her. She passed away on March 26, 1923, but her legacy as one of the greatest actresses in history lives on.
“Sarah Bernhardt by Napoleon Sarony, ca. 1891” by trialsanderrors is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
3. Hattie McDaniel (1893–1952) – Breaking barriers for Black actresses
Hattie McDaniel was a trailblazing African-American actress, singer-songwriter, and comedian. Born on June 10, 1893, in Wichita, Kansas, she made history by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind” (1939).
McDaniel’s career spanned radio, film, and television. She recorded 16 blues sides between 1926 and 1929 and was the first black woman to sing on radio in the United States. Despite facing significant racial discrimination, she appeared in over 300 films, although she received on-screen credits for only 83.
Her other notable films include “Alice Adams,” “In This Our Life,” “Since You Went Away,” and “Song of the South”. McDaniel’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and her induction into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1975.
By Unknown author – http://frame2interlace.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/the-first-hattie-mcdaniel-and-james-baskett/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=138316555
4. Lorraine Hansberry (1930–1965) – The first black woman on Broadway
Lorraine Hansberry was an influential American playwright and writer, best known for her groundbreaking play “A Raisin in the Sun.” Born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, she became the first African-American female author to have a play performed on Broadway2.
“A Raisin in the Sun,” which premiered in 1959, explores the struggles of a black family in Chicago facing racial segregation and economic hardship. The play’s title is derived from Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem,” which asks, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
Hansberry’s work was deeply influenced by her own experiences with racial discrimination. Her family was involved in a landmark Supreme Court case, Hansberry v. Lee, which challenged racially restrictive housing covenants. She was also an active civil rights advocate and wrote about issues such as African liberation and LGBTQ+ rights.
Tragically, Hansberry’s promising career was cut short when she died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 34 on January 12, 1965. Her legacy continues to inspire and resonate, particularly through the Nina Simone song, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” which was reportedly inspired by Hansberry’s life and work.
By Unknown author – No Easy Victories: African Liberation and American Activists over a Half Century, 1950-2000 http://www.noeasyvictories.org/select/nev_chap1.pdf, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=102031312
5. Helen Mirren (b. 1945) – A Shakespearean powerhouse
Helen Mirren, born Helen Lydia Mironoff on July 26, 1945, in London, England, is a highly acclaimed actress known for her versatile performances across stage, film, and television. With a career spanning over six decades, she has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, four BAFTA Awards, five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, an Olivier Award, and a Tony Award.
Mirren began her acting career with the National Youth Theatre, where she played Cleopatra in “Antony and Cleopatra” at the age of 18. She later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and made her West End stage debut in 1975. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the film “The Queen” (2006) earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In addition to her film career, Mirren is known for her television work, particularly her role as DCI Jane Tennison in the police procedural series “Prime Suspect” (1991–2006), which earned her multiple awards. She has also appeared in films such as “Gosford Park” (2001), “The Last Station” (2009), and “Eye in the Sky” (2015).
Mirren was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for her services to drama. Her contributions to the arts have made her one of the most respected and celebrated actresses of her generation.
“Helen Mirren-2208 (cropped)” by Harald Krichel is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
6. Viola Spolin (1906–1994) – The ‘Mother of Improvisation’
Viola Spolin was a pioneering American theatre academic, educator, and acting coach, often hailed as the “mother of improvisational theatre.” Born on November 7, 1906, in Chicago, Illinois, she developed a system of actor training known as “theatre games,” which revolutionised how acting is taught and performed.
Spolin’s techniques focused on helping actors stay present in the moment and make spontaneous choices, much like in real life. Her book “Improvisation for the Theater,” published in 1963, is considered the “bible of improvisational theatre” and has had a profound impact on theatre, television, and film, especially in America.
7. Glenda Jackson (1936–2023) – From actress to politician and back
Glenda Jackson was a distinguished English actress and politician. Born on May 9, 1936, in Birkenhead, England, she had a remarkable career that spanned both the arts and public service. Jackson initially gained fame as an actress, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in “Women in Love” (1969) and “A Touch of Class” (1973). She was also known for her performances in films such as “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (1971) and “Mary, Queen of Scots” (1971)1.
In addition to her film career, Glenda Jackson had a successful stage career, earning a Tony Award for her role in the revival of Edward Albee’s “Three Tall Women” in 2018. She was also acclaimed for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the BBC series “Elizabeth R” (1971), which earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Jackson transitioned to politics in 1992, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Labour Party until 2015. She was a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Tony Blair’s first government. Sadly, she passed away on June 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in both acting and public service.
By Studio Publicity – ebay, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=138594848
8. Caryl Churchill (b. 1938) – A visionary playwright
One of the most influential British feminist playwrights, Caryl Churchill is known for her innovative and thought-provoking works. Born on September 3, 1938, in London, England, she has made significant contributions to contemporary theatre with her exploration of feminist themes, sexual politics, and the abuses of power in the latter part of the 20th century.
Churchill’s career began in the 1960s with radio dramas and television plays for the BBC. She gained widespread recognition with her plays “Cloud 9” (1979) and “Top Girls” (1982), both of which address gender and societal issues in unique and compelling ways2. Her other notable works include “Serious Money” (1987), “A Number” (2002), and “Love and Information” (2012).
Throughout her career, she has been celebrated for her use of non-naturalistic techniques and her ability to challenge conventional storytelling. She has received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to theatre, including multiple Obie Awards.
By Petticonifer – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=123355010
9. Julie Taymor (b. 1952) – First woman to win Best Director of a Musical
Julie Taymor is an acclaimed American director, playwright, and costume designer, known for her innovative and visually stunning work in theatre, opera, and film. Born on December 15, 1952, in Newton, Massachusetts, she has made significant contributions to the arts with her unique blend of storytelling and visual artistry.
Taymor is perhaps best known for her stage adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King,” which debuted on Broadway in 1997. The production received eleven Tony Award nominations, and Taymor won Tony Awards for both Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design. Her work on “The Lion King” is celebrated for its use of puppetry, masks, and elaborate costumes, which brought the animated film to life on stage.
In addition to her theatre work, Taymor has directed several films, including “Frida” (2002), a biographical film about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, which was nominated for five Academy Awards. She also directed the 2007 jukebox musical film “Across the Universe,” which is based on the music of The Beatles.
By David Shankbone – David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7881478
10. Sonia Friedman (b. 1965) – The most powerful producer in theatre
Sonia Friedman is a highly acclaimed British theatretheatre producer known for her work in both the West End and on Broadway. Born in April 1965, she has produced over 270 new productions and has won numerous awards, including 63 Olivier Awards, 48 Tony Awards, and 3 BAFTAs.
Friedman began her career at the National Theatre and co-founded the new writing theatre company, Out of Joint, in 1993. She later worked as a producer for the Ambassador Theatre Group before launching her own company, Sonia Friedman Productions, in 2002. Her productions have included hits like “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “The Book of Mormon,” and “The Ferryman”.
In 2018, Friedman was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Her contributions to theatre have made her one of the most influential and respected figures in the industry.
By Department for Culture, Media and Sport – https://www.flickr.com/photos/49429730@N08/51685688147/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146569618
Who else deserves a spotlight?
These 10 incredible women have shaped the past, present, and future of theatre. But this list barely scratches the surface! Who are your favourite women in theatre—past or present? Whether they’re actors, playwrights, directors, or designers, we want to hear about the women who inspire you! Drop their names in the comments and let’s celebrate their impact together!
This is a good list of women in theatre; made up of playwrights, directors, and producers and perhaps even more than that. They have all effectively made their marks on what it means to fight for equality between the two genders within their own respective fields and such.
One question I’ll ask is, however long do you think their legacies will last/hold up, in today’s day and age, with so many things happening all at once? Will these women still be able to stand out?
In particular, I am amazed by the 1st woman on the list, Aprha Behn; good selection from that time period.
Best,
ALEJANDRO G.
Hi Alejandro. Thanks for taking the time to read the article and I’m glad you like the list. There are obviously many, many more people who I could add but in the interests of a succinct post, I had to limit it at this stage. There is, however, an International Women’s Day every year!! 🙂
To answer your question, I think the fact that we are still talking about them a few hundreds of years on in some cases, is a testament to their legacy. It’s probably even easier nowadays for people to be remembered because of all the digital ways we interact and store data. If we can still be reading the plays of Aphra Behn 400 years later, then why not in another 400?
Happy International Women’s Day.
Recognizing pioneering women in theatre is such a meaningful way to celebrate International Women’s Day! This article does a fantastic job of highlighting the incredible contributions of women who have shaped the industry, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Their impact on storytelling, performance, and production is truly remarkable.
As someone who appreciates the arts, it’s always inspiring to see how these trailblazers have paved the way for more diversity and representation in theatre. Their work continues to influence and empower both performers and audiences. This is a great read that reminds us of the importance of honoring and supporting women in the arts! ✨
Hi Robbie and thanks for reading the article. I’m glad you found it inspirational. It’s lovely to see that others also appreciate the contribution of these women in society which in some cases, is still being felt hundreds of years after they died.
There are many that I could have added to the list. Who are your favourites here?
Hi there –
Women have left an indelible mark in theatre over the years. Sara Bernhard was a trailblazer in this field with an uncanny ability to portray male and female characters. This skill led to her participating in various plays over her career.
She opened doors for many other women in theater, including Hattie McDaniel. Despite racism and other obstacles, she won an Academy Award for her performance in “Gone with the Wind.”
These two women and many others showed grit, perseverance, and determination in theater, raising the standards for predecessors.
G
Hi Godwin. Thanks for your comments about these two amazing women. I think it must have been a treat to watch Sarah Bernhardt although I’m the acting style would be very different from what we expect today. I think Hattie McDaniel is probably one of my favourites because she was working at a time when the attitude towards Black people was so poor. She well deserves her stars on the Walk of Fame.