Cultural and societal norms: Historically, many societies had strict gender roles and expected women to conform to certain behaviors and occupations considered appropriate for their sex. Acting was often seen as an art that involved emotional expression, physical agility, and interaction with male actors. These elements were commonly deemed inappropriate or even scandalous when associated with women.
Moral objections: Some religious and cultural beliefs viewed women as morally inferior or susceptible to moral contamination. Allowing them to appear on stage was considered a threat to their modesty, virtue, and the moral standards of society.
Legal restrictions: In certain societies, women were subject to legal restrictions that limited their freedom to engage in public activities. Laws prohibited them from performing on stage, among other occupations and practices usually reserved for men.
Absence of female training: Acting required specialized training and education. In various periods and societies, formal acting schools or training institutions were exclusively open to men, excluding women from acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue an acting career.
It's important to note that these gender-based restrictions were not universal and varied across cultures, regions, and time periods. Over time, societal attitudes towards gender roles evolved and women began to challenge traditional norms. In the latter part of the 18th and 19th centuries, various movements advocating for women's rights and equality led to a gradual change in theatrical practices. Eventually, women achieved recognition as performers and the exclusive male domain of acting was broken down.