Abby Weber

Robin McKercher
History of Musical Theatre
August 28th, 2020
Book Reflection 2
From last year in theatre history to musical theatre history, one constant reminder remains

true that theatre does not like an aging woman. First off, you have women being for the most

part not allowed on stage, then slowly and gradually getting there, but with little respect for the

most part. Then you have to get as much work as you can get before the critics call you old like

Hortense Schneider. Of course, you got Gilbert and Sullivan where one of their main stables is

making fun of older women. It’s somewhat the same now, as actresses fall out of popularity the

older they get. There are just less roles written. It’s not because women get less interesting when

they get older. It’s not like they become less talented. It’s not that older men are just better. I

have met plenty of older men, and I can assure you, they are not.

This just makes it seem, and to some extent it is, that for women, your looks will always

be worth more than your talent. A woman can’t be a silver fox, she’s just old. I wonder how

much old women and the nagging wife come together. Or that if an older woman didn’t have

grandkids, kids, or a husband, she isn’t filling the role she needs in society. Then society decides

to give her a role which ugly weirdo. I liked to think that things have generally improved, but

there’s still worked to be done. Work that focuses on older women specifically is viewed as

“refreshing” and “innovative’. Which if it’s so refreshing that why don’t you drink some more

society? We got buckets full.

This makes me reflect on myself in theatre. I am a young woman, but what happens when

I get older? Aging is a fear I have. It’s a dumb fear I know as it is enevitable, but the idea of grey

hairs stresses me out. When I see anti-aging products, I can’t help but think I should start using
it now, getting a head start in the battle against looking my age. That with every smile or eye

crinkle that I’m causing deeper and deeper wrinkles. It’s ridiculous. I can say this with ease as I

have not found any grey hairs, nor have I been mistaken for anything older than 18. It’s just

something that probably every woman has in the back of their head. It goes with the idea that

only youth is desirable, especially for women. She always looks great for her age. She’s never

just great. Is age a disadvantage? I like to think in 15 years I will be better at my craft than I am

now. If I wasn’t, that would be some wasted time. Yet, will less people want me or hire me then

because I am older? I don’t know. I just think aging, in general should be celebrated. You

survived another year. Your body is the story of you, and wrinkles and greys are the ink. That is

the most hallmark shit I have ever written. Potential job opportunity? But to get back on track,

older women know where it’s at and they should be celebrated.