Boy actors were trained to play female characters convincingly. They would often spend years perfecting their voices, movements, and mannerisms to make their performances as realistic as possible. While this practice may seem unusual to modern audiences, it was widely accepted and appreciated during Shakespeare's time. In fact, some boy actors became celebrated performers and gained considerable fame for their ability to portray female characters.
The casting of boy actors also influenced the way female characters were written and portrayed in Shakespearean plays. Shakespeare often wrote complex and multifaceted female characters, but they were still constrained by the limitations imposed by their gender. For example, female characters were often expected to be virtuous, modest, and submissive. The plays often explore the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society and the conflicts that arose between their personal desires and societal expectations. Despite these constraints, Shakespeare's female characters exhibit a range of emotions, intelligence, and agency, highlighting his mastery in creating complex and compelling characters.
While the practice of using boy actors to play female roles in Shakespearean plays may seem unusual by today's standards, it was a significant aspect of the theatrical culture of the time. It influenced the way female characters were written, performed, and perceived by audiences, and added a unique dimension to the theatrical experience of Shakespeare's plays.