I'd agree, if we were talking about most shows of the 1860's. But this became a huge cultural phenomenon; when Menken toured with it for nine months, she earned $100,000. And it was the talk of the nation, advertised heavily, and--naturally, spoofed. After her stay in San Francisco, there was a scantily-clad performed named Big Bertha who appeared on a donkey, just to name one example. (Menken used a real horse on stage, and sometimes was injured in performances.)
And the ads were definitely memorable. I have a book of theatrical posters of the 19th century, and hoo-boy, I bet the Mazeppa ones sold like hotcakes.
Menken also toured Europe and contributed to shaking up standards regarding women's sexuality on stage. They didn't change overnight, of course,,but she certainly got folks talking.
Nude lady on a horse, in the late 19th and early 20th American, conjured up Lady Godiva and Mazeppa. And don't forget GYPSY is set in the thirties, bringing the reference even closer to the original.
Laura, who should be writing about 1882 Wyoming, but is easily distracted |
