The importance of female fandom to British Wagneriana in the early to mid-20th century
This talk will outline a range of vital and historically-overlooked contributions that women have made to the appreciation of Wagnerian opera. Looking into evidence of activities, writings and other artistic ventures it will contextualise these contributions in terms of two aspects: the changing perspectives of female identity and the roles women developed as professional and amateur participants in cultural life. Finally, it will consider what, if anything, of women’s interests and efforts should be taken more seriously by historians, and why, asking what value this archive of female fandom might continue to offer and support continuing enthusiasm for Wagner today.
Charlotte Purkis is a Principal Lecturer in the School of Performing Arts in the University of Winchester. She specialises in connections between the performing arts and Modernisms, has published widely on music, dance and theatre history.
As usual, members of the Society will automatically receive the Zoom link, and anyone else wanting to attend please contact us by replying to susi.wagnersocietymanchester@gmail.com“