This work investigates the intersection of gender, musical performance, and theatrical practice within the Compagnia dei Gelosi during the late sixteenth century. Anne MacNeil, a scholar of musicology and performance, synthesizes archival evidence and historical documentation to argue that female performers were central to the development of early modern musical-theatrical traditions. By examining the specific contributions of these actresses, the book establishes a framework for understanding how professional women navigated the social and artistic constraints of the Renaissance stage prior to the emergence of opera.

Experts recognize this text as a foundational study for understanding the professionalization of women in early modern performance. Scholars frequently cite the book for its rigorous archival research and its ability to bridge the gap between music history and theater studies.