Early Twentieth Century All Female Shakespeare Society at Wellesley College.

[Broadside] [Wellesley College] SHAKESPEARE, William.

FAIRE AND HONOURED GENTLEFOLK: WEE PRAY YOU WELCOME TO ... A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAME [first line of text].

Boston: [Wellesley College Shakespeare Society], [June, 1908]. Vintage broadside. Tan paper printed in red and black. 18.25 x 7.75 in.  Ornamental first letter, decorations, and various capital letters printed in red. Greetings, A Liste of Persons in this Playe, Place, Musick, "Printed at the shoppe of Frank Wood in the towne of Boston" -- legend at conclusion of the text, each section divided by red printer's bar. Previously twice folded horizontally, possibly for mailing or preservation; some foxing along margins. Very good. 

The Shakespeare Society of Wellesley College, Boston, was founded in April 1877. The Society was formed to study the plays of Shakespeare, and to monthly perform "Acts" as a means of demonstrating proficiency in the understanding and appreciation of the playwright's oeuvre. This monthly study tended in part, but only in part, toward the public presentation of a single play in June. Originally all players were not allowed to appear in costume, only present-day clothing, and no male clothing or facial hair was allowed - so no cross-dressing.  By 1898 the young ladies defied the ban and presented A Midsummer Night's Dream in costume, and were hailed by some of those present as being "very modern." The present broadside illustrates the full female cast of the June 1908 presentation of A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring students who were members of the classes of 1908, 1909, and a few from 1910. The Wellesley College Shakespeare Society is the oldest continuous society on Wellesley's campus. The printer, Frank Wood, ran a printing business at 353 Washington Street, Boston, from 1877 to 1908, serving MIT and Wellesley College. Very good. Item #725

WELLESLEY COLLEGE LEGENDA, p. 155.

Price: $150.00