Age-blind Casting in Theater

Geraldine James, preparing to portray a grandmother in the BBC drama *This Town*, received an unexpected offer from the Royal Shakespeare Company to play Rosalind in *As You Like It*. This casting choice, featuring older actors in traditionally younger roles, has sparked discussions about the representation of older women in theatre. Director Omar Elerian's production has garnered positive reviews, highlighting a growing trend towards age-blind casting, which has been less common for women compared to their male counterparts. Tom Littler, artistic director of the Orange Tree Theatre, has also embraced this shift, casting 78-year-old Jane Asher in a leading role. He emphasizes that older actresses possess a wealth of theatrical skill, having honed their craft through the traditional repertory system. However, he notes that classic roles for women often diminish as they age, creating a need for more opportunities for older performers. Sophie Hallett from the Casting Directors’ Guild acknowledges the importance of age-blind casting and aims to foster discussions around inclusion and representation in the industry. Historically, men have been allowed greater flexibility in portraying younger characters, while women have faced limitations. The need for more roles for older actresses is underscored by the fact that they represent a significant portion of the theatre-going audience. As the conversation around age representation in theatre evolves, it becomes increasingly vital to showcase older women as complex characters with desires and ambitions, reflecting the diverse experiences of society. The wealth of talent among older female actors is a resource that should not be overlooked.