Becoming Cleopatra The Shifting Image of an Icon

Becoming Cleopatra: The Shifting Image of an Icon by F. Royster, published by Palgrave Macmillan US in September 2003, explores the multifaceted portrayals of Cleopatra throughout history. This revised edition, comprising 258 pages, delves into the complex intersections of race and sexuality as depicted in various performances of this iconic figure, from Shakespeare’s interpretations to modern representations in film and theater.

Readers will find an analysis that spans different eras and cultural contexts, examining how Cleopatra’s image has evolved and what it reveals about societal attitudes toward women and race. Royster discusses notable portrayals by figures such as Josephine Baker and Elizabeth Taylor, highlighting the ongoing cultural conversations surrounding femininity and power. This book presents a critical examination of the performing arts and their role in shaping historical narratives, making it a significant contribution to the fields of social science and literary criticism.