Dr Kat and Aphra Behn

[@susannebrown3255]

I love that you talk about people that I never heard of, non royals that have made a difference still. Gotta like Mod. Thanks from🇨🇦

[@restrictedmilk]

And a lot of women!

[@amyreynolds27]

I was so excited to see this video when I found your channel! I studied Aphra Behn as part of my theatre degree and thought she was incredible. My professor mentioned that there was some debate as to whether or not her husband even existed. By her account, Aphra's husband was called Hans, and, let me tell you, I nearly lost my mind my I realized how much Hans Behn sounds like the word husband! At the time, I was certain Aphra made the entire thing up as an excuse to operate more freely as a widow!

[@ellarose6105]

I don't really have any evidence to back this up, but I like to believe that Aphra Behn made up having a husband to raise her status (as unmarried women had virtually no power) and then pretended he died to get him out of the picture while keeping the name. She was such a radical and forward-thinking woman, I feel like it was something she would be capable of 😅

[@ReadingthePast]

I love this idea and really wish that this is what actually happened!

[@sarahgoldberg6614]

I like that, too, especially as she railed against arranged marriage in The Rover.

[@DrOctaviaCox]

Behn is such a fascinating woman! And still underrated it seems to me (even though she is, as you say, on university syllabi). I’ve always enjoyed her palpable frustration in the preface to The Lucky Chance where she defends herself against the accusation that her works, in all their bawdiness, “must be Criminal because a Woman's”, and demands (shock horror!) due appreciation of her works: “I value Fame as much as if I had been born a Hero; and if you rob me of that, I can retire from the ungrateful World, and scorn its fickle Favours”.

[@amandapittar9398]

As an undergraduate doing my MA I discovered Aphra. I found a hero in history, if she could adventure in the 17thC there was hope for a Lowly Scottish student. I started a small collection of books on her. Much Later, after post graduate studies, travel children and into marriage , I finally became Catholic and chose Saint Aphra as my saint - the patron saint of converts. She has followed me in all sorts of little ways for my life. I have travelled and settled half way round the world and still remember the thrill of reading about a woman who led such a life 300 years before me. I found it inspiring in tough times. It’s odd what can be inspiring.

[@coletterice]

So happy to find this video! I found Behn through The Rover during my theater career. However, I knew little of her personal story. This was a treasure. I learned so much! I'd love a video on Rochester. I'm also hoping for more videos on Shakespeare's players, especially Nicholas Tooley. I'm incredibly curious about him. Burbage's apprentice, possibly the creator of the female roles from the great comedies... and evidently (per Mary Edmund) born into the landed gentry, son of an extremely wealthy man. Wouldn't being a player mean climbing down the social ladder? I'm interested in your interpretation of what's known about him.

[@AliciaSmith1983]

I love when you do videos of little unknown people most of us never heard of in the mainstream.

[@rossedmonds1828]

I own the 1st ed. of her poems namely 'Poems on several occasions with a voyage to the island of love', pub. in 1684. I have read some of Rochester's poems in 'A history of erotic literature' by Patrick Kearney. This poem could well get you banned from KZbin! On what would normally be the Dedication Page, the author says: "By special request this book is not dedicated to my parents"! Nevertheless, I would find a talk by you on Rochester interesting.

[@jennbrokaw9825]

I'm slowly working my way through all these wonderful videos. I love them!

[@auntkaz422]

I had never heard of Aphra Behn. I am in awe of people who are who they are and do what they wish to do whether that is the expected/accepted role for them in society or not. They have to fight to do so and often forge a trail for those in generations that follow (who then can move forward and forge a trail for future generations). Thank you for bringing recognition to her name and works when so many people and years tried to hide them.

[@TeriRumble]

G gy

[@terrymcintee3336]

Fantastic! One of my favourite characters. Surprised at how many people had not heard of this amazing woman. Shows how much you are needed! Saw The Rover at the Swan in Stratford. It's a joyous, bawdy, rip-roaring romp! That season also saw among others King Lear, Cymbeline, and The Two Noble Kinsmen. The Rover was by far the most entertaining (Sorry Shakespeare!) It's sad that so many women writers, artists, and composers from the past have been sidelined. Let's hear about more of them! tedem

[@christiancamp6796]

I enjoyed this video immensely! I had never heard of the woman, nor her work before. And, now having been formally introduced, I have made it one of my future plans to study both her life and works. Thank you, sincerely for this introduction and may I say , thank you for such an interesting video.

[@misscatalina711]

Going to find the works of Behn. I remember hearing “Oroonoko” mentioned in my English classes but only briefly, sandwiched in between Pepys and Johnson. I can’t wait to read her other works. YES! Please do something worn Wilmott

[@heidiohhh]

I'm currently studying The Rover and came across your channel while researching Aphra Behn. This was such an informative, enjoyable video and a great resource! I had no idea that Aphra was such a badass and am eager to learn more about her.

[@susanvinson2667]

I had never heard of this wonderful, inspiring woman before. Thank you for enlightening us to her existence and importance in the history of women. Have a good day.

[@theresagrano9711]

This was so interesting, I had not heard of her . So many interesting women in history that never get the notoriety they should get

[@Isrjisoneavalable]

Of yes please make a video on the notorious earl!

[@ImCarolB]

I had a friend who was a professor of Restoration and 18th century literature. I asked her for a list of books or plays I should read and Aphra Behn was on it. I haven't got to her yet, but I will now!

[@margueritemoody2811]

I'd only heard of her because of The Riverworld book series, she (and other historical figures like Mark Twain) was a rotating main character.

[@ronadkins287]

Thank you for this information on Aphra Behn, my son is a very young actor and we've NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROMINENT WRITER !!

[@sheriking4041]

Yes I want to here about the. Libertine

[@Myke_OBrien]

I wish that some of my professors during undergrad had been as a fascinating speaker as you are! Please, please, do a video on the Earl of Rochester. Frankly, he made some of Petronius’ works look respectable.

[@jessicamoores181]

I never heard of her but thanks to you, Kind Lady, I will go search for her 👍🙏❤️

[@lanorte1]

I worked on a production of THE ROVER at The Goodman Theatre in Chicago in the 1980's. It was my introduction to Aphra Behn's work and a strong production of an entertaining script.

[@heleneguay5652]

I came to know Aphra through one of her translation 'La Pluralité des Mondes' de Fontenelle. I am impressed that she translated this work. Behn's translation of "La Pluralité des Mondes" highlights her intellectual curiosity and her commitment to making scientific knowledge more accessible, to every one, including women, generally excluded from all scientific institutions. By choosing to translate Fontenelle's work, Behn not only showcased her own scholarly abilities but also played a role in democratizing science. Her translation offered a conversational and approachable way to understand astronomy, which would have been empowering for her female readers.

[@cyndiea.stevens9004]

I had not heard of Aphra Behn before today. I appreciate that you teach us about interesting people I have never heard of and this woman, oh how interesting, a writer of very bawdy tales and a spy! I would say that was very brave of her. I would also be interested in learning more about John Wilmot, although I don't want you to get kicked off of KZbin! I do so enjoy every one of your videos. You provide such wonderful insights into the people and the times

[@suzettehenderson9278]

Happily, Behn was required reading for my undergraduate degree in Lit as well. The Rover (1) was the highlight of a course on restoration drama, possessing the witty humor of her best contemporaries with a far greater degree of character depth and nuance. I need to read more of her work. A video on Willmott would be interesting.

[@timstoomanybooks]

Just came across this video and as a long time Aphra Behn interestee I thought I'd add some thoughts. I first saw The Rover in 1978 at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester. The Theatre claimed that it was the first professional production for over 200 years. The incidental music to Abdelazer was composed by Henry Purcell and the main theme was used by Benjamin Britten in his The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. Sir Patient Fancy was apparently a loose adaptation of Moliere's The Hypochondriac. Behn's first novel an epistolatory novel called Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister Other than The Rover the only other of her plays that I've seen performed is the False Count and the only other play of Aphra Behn's that I've heard about being performed is The Lucky Chance which was produced by the Royal Court in the late 80s I think the problem with performing Aphra Behn is two-fold, she is a good playwright but not good enough to carry the reputational weight of being the first Englishwoman to earn her living by writing plays. The other thing is that we seem to have lost the knack of doing and willingness to produce Restoration Plays

[@orsino88]

I saw that production of The Lucky Chance, and it is a terrific play.

[@--enyo--]

I’d never even heard of her, but now I really want to look up her works. They sound fascinating.

[@nycstar1]

Thank you for this video. I never heard of her until your video. I want to read her writing now.

[@robertwescott8894]

loved this!! and yes to a video on Rochester!!!

[@jeanneholland448]

Thank you Dr. Kat for this excellent tribute to Aphra Behn.

[@MichelleTheGinger]

PLEASE MAKE A VIDEO ON EARL OF ROCHESTER!! 💖💖

[@katwernery6505]

The Rover is brilliant and more theatre companies need to revive it! Thanks for talking about this marvelous woman who isn’t as well known as she should be.

[@matissetrixie7796]

Dr. Kat, your intellectual prowess and eloquence is fantastic. Thank you for your in-depth analysis. I learn so much from your channel!

[@asklation3256]

Happy to be here because currently I'm researching on my own name, my names Afra and another way of writing it is Aphrah and through this I came across Aphrah Behn. It feels so familiar hearing about her reading about her even though I haven't heard of her before but I'm very happy to learn more about her and other historical figures wearing the name I was given

[@shylockwesker5530]

I did Feigned Courtesans at the Uni and then completely forgot about it. Thanks for remainding me and more.

[@katszulga1888]

I was introduced to the works of Aphra Behn in college too, first through Ooronoko, and later through the History of the Nun, which I much preferred. I wonder if I got the sentimentalized version of Ooronoko in that first class? I've seen your video on the Earl of Rochester, and I thought you did an excellent job. May the youtube algorithm smile on you! I would love a video by you on Eliza Haywood, as Fantomina was my absolute favourite story from my 18th century women's lit class, and I've never been able to get it out of my head.

[@felicitykelly7710]

Really enjoyed that piece. Thank you. My family and I went to see The Rover at the RSC Swan Theatre in Stratford about 4 years ago. It was brilliant and so entertaining- we loved it. On Lord Rochester- go for it!

[@francescascanlan4549]

I'm so jealous, I'd love to see The rover one day!

[@kateh2007]

I loved hearing about Afra Behn, Thankyou Dr Kat. I had heard the name but had literally no inkling of why she was famous. It's sad that even today she still hasn't really received the praise, acceptance or acknowledgement that she is surely due as the trail blazer and talent that she obviously was. One has to speculate on how different the outcome had she been male!!?? I'd love to hear more of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, I'm positive that he wasn't as pretty in real life as Johnny Depp lol!!!

[@francescascanlan4549]

He was actually described by a contemporary as a "beautiful youth", so he may very well have been!

[@stefaniasmanio859]

hi dr Kat! you are so enjoyable!! and interesting! your videos tell us about practically unknown people... such a great work in bringing them alive for us!! thank you so much for your hard work!!

[@megremisfamily4music]

Love your videos, Dr Kat! I’d never heard of Aphra Behn before your video, but I find her to have lived a fascinating and influential life, -particularly for a woman of her time. Please do more videos of people not well known.

[@stephaniegeorge6444]

I have not read anything by her but I look forward to it. Cheers

[@shirleyniedzwiecki1104]

So many of your subjects were completely absent from my understanding of British history, including this courageous artist. You recorded this about a year ago, Dr Kat. Having only recently found your page, I delight in the vast array of material that your recordings offer. I've definitely taken my right to write arrogantly for granted. I'm beholden. Keep on rocking! Are you and Jaime and (name forgotten😕) baby boy getting any decent sleep?

[@shesaknitter]

I am learning so much from your videos. I had never heard of Aphra before. So interesting. I could listen to you all day. Actually, during this pandemic, that is exactly one of the things I'm doing! Thanks, Dr. Kat!

[@sanchopanza3852]

Thanks. I was wondering how little do we know about Alpha Behn's life and work, and I get the feeling that this lack of information is not innocent at all. The fact that she was one of the first so-called professional writers. Really helpful what you shared!! Thanks a lot:):)

[@kathleenpatterson3147]

I would very much like to learn more about John Wilmont. I absolutely love your segments and would love also to learn more about women that broke with convention and paved the path for the rest of us, whether they were aware of it or not. Thank you

[@helenl8690]

I've heard of Aphra Behn but didn't know much about her. Was inspired to dig out more (and found this video - altho I have watched other videos by you which I always enjoy!) when I was listening to A room of one's own. If you could create a video about any of the other individuals Virginia Woolfe refers too I would be keen to watch them. The Earl of Rochester certainly sounds very intriguing!!

[@stephenhardy3045]

I had to write an essay on Oroonoko for a history class. I had to determine if this novel was anti-slavery or pro-slavery. What are your thoughts?

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I was lucky enough to see an RSC production of The Rover at the Swan Theater. It was wonderful and opened me up to other works by Behn.

[@realityslidersmandelaeffec6594]

My home town is the home of John Bradshaw and Charles 1st death warrant was said to be signed in a local pub.

[@irefi64]

Love your channel, Dr. Kat! Any chance of videos on Tudor trumpeter John Blanke, and Victorian PM Benjamin Disraeli?

[@annfisher3316]

I have been subscribed, but watching some of your past videos. I smiled and thought this is pre-mama Dr Kat. 😊

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

She's still not well known even amongst dramatic circles! If anyone deserves further scrutiny, this lady does. Fascinating!

[@realitycheck4842]

You look adorable. Love your videos, so informative without a lengthy rant.

[@stephens7816]

Good gosh your videos are so very fascinating no matter what the subject! Even if you posted the outtakes I’m sure I would learn a lot.😃

[@hearsthewater]

I took a Restoration Literature class last year working my way towards my Master's. One of our authors was Behn, and yes, it was for Oroonoko. The text did have some of her poetry, and I am pretty sure that I read "On a Juniper-tree Cut down to Make Busks" but didn't remember it as being suggestive. I think I must go back and read it again. The one thing that I do remember about Oroonoko was just how shocked I was at the gore and violence in it. I was not a fan. That said, I am fascinated at the information you present here about her life away from the pen. Thank you for helping me to think of her in a more well-rounded way.

[@DelphineCingal]

I discovered her through the work of the late professor Bernard Dhuicq who worked on her works and also on the translations of her works into French and on her own translations of French works into English

[@melanieohara6941]

Watching from Wyoming-love Aphra. Thanks!😷

[@Kaytecando]

I am enjoying these videos of lesser known but important English persons. I did see the Depp movie, The Libertine" and would truly LOVE😍 to see a video on the Earl of Rochester! Thank you for expanding and enriching my understanding if English history.

[@MsCharley13]

I’ve never actually heard of her before but thanks to your history lesson I shall hunt down her work!

[@mtngrl5859]

I first heard about here Aphra when I was reading the Science Fiction Novels of Philip Jose Farmer in his Riverworld series. In these novels everyone who has ever lived is brought to life but not necessarily are at all with their partners or time frames. Aphra was inhabiting part of the Riverworld with Mark Twain and King John. Quite interesting.

[@Figgatella]

Yes! Please do that video. I’m very interested!

[@cindchan]

I had never heard of her before. I will look into her, because she sounds interesting, as do her plays!

[@suzannenichol6077]

Thank you so much. I have allways been fascinated by Aphra Benn.

[@lisascenic]

I was vaguely aware of The Rover, but knew nothing about its author. I’ll have to go look her up.

[@flannerypedley840]

I would like to put in my vote for a video on Nell Gynne. I have to confess I did struggle with Orinocco, but I do plan to read it again. Any chance of some references for aphra Behn. She is extraordinary. thank you

[@francescascanlan4549]

I'd 100% recommend reading The Rover, and the poems 'The Disappointment' and 'The Fair Clorinda'.

[@husham08]

Thank you.." She represented the girl of the future in the era of the past

[@BentonHess]

Thank you for introducing me to Aphra Behn. I’ve just ordered a volume of her work. I’m a composer/pianist, and am always looking for texts suitable to be set to music. Perhaps Aphra will supply something.

[@wesleyspencer7057]

Did you end up doing a video on the Earl of Rochester?!

[@kirstieoconnor1054]

What a fascinating woman, I had a vague idea who she was,I'm going to have to learn more about her now😆 thanks! X

[@metalsomemother3021]

I had never heard of this woman. Thank you for the introduction

[@BentonHess]

Oh, Dr. Kat, I live in Rochester, New York. Please, please make a video on the Earl of Rochester!

[@sandymorgan6637]

Interesting and yes I would like to hear a video about the Earl.....

[@af398]

Yes to a video on the Earl of Rochester!

[@FanFicnic]

I’m very annoyed with every theatre and literature teacher ive ever had. Thank you for teaching me about her.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

Oops,I thought the painting was Nell Gwynne..... now there's a subject! So sad she died at such a young age from syphilis ,passed on to her by the King!

[@sophitsa79]

Spoiler!

[@toddyoung7453]

Until now I have not heard of this women....very interesting.

[@wendygerrish4964]

Didn't know anything about her. Seems ridiculous that us school kids -1970s were raving about Catcher in the Rye, when perhaps we ought to have been raving about Onooko. I feel cheated somewhat, although as a non fiction reader the cheating may have been self imposed.

[@francescascanlan4549]

Aphra Behn is one of my historical favourites! I really enjoyed the video, although I'm a little sad that you didn't include the fact that Behn is thought to have been bisexual.

[@susanwozniak6354]

Looking at the two portraits you show at 7:04, I am struck by how alike the two faces are. The lady seems to have a double chin and somewhat heavier brows. Do you suspect this has more to do with the style of the painter or whether the two portraits are of the same person?

[@wanketta]

Aphra and the Earl look related

[@ellenmurphy1826]

I had not heard of her before. Thank you

[@bethmeadows2828]

I never heard of her but now I want to read her.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

I am really enjoying your videos. She wasn't as pretty as Rochester if the portrait is anything to go by (she is considerably more masculine too but he was such a pretty boy!).

[@Catglittercrafts]

I like how she has a double chin in her portrait.

[@sirgalahad1376]

Thanks Dr. 🐱

[@rubyb7872]

anyone else thinks there should be a drama series about her life?

[@rubyb7872]

if it exists already please send me the link

[@ddivar8149]

You should talk about admiral Nelson and Emma

[@deshawnwint5190]

I love your intro

[@Kbaltrush]

Please do that Rochester video!!

[@lanorte1]

Please make the WIlmott video. Thank you!

[@brandyjean7015]

I now have a new woman author to read. And yes to John Wilmot.

[@ThePiratecookies]

another great video :)

[@shamsam4]

I had no idea!

[@dale3404]

Oh, no! Don’t get banned, Dr. Kat!. Do what you must, but we need you.

[@MistressQueenBee]

During the time of Behns's proliferation of her early play write period, would she have been paid at a scale equivalent to men? Would the amount paid for a complete version of a story be weighted toward a more salacious story, or a long (more scenes) of play? Lastly, as I age the disparity between the knowledge I have gained to the current date, and what I do not know, continues to grow! Thank you for filling some of that great chasm. Yee Haw! from the Great State of Texas, kjb

[@archer1949]

I discovered Aphra Behn from a anthology of poetry which had a couple of her short poems. That fed into my burgeoning live of Restoration theater and poetry! Thank you.

[@reverendhowardboyer3960]

Yes mam but his behavior with other men was not Hoyle was it some got very bad hemeroids

[@trojanette8345]

If it weren't for the fact that (Sir Francis) Walsingham was already dead by, 1590 I would almost say she was in cohoots w/ him. Next, would have been Rob't Cecil but he died in 1612 -- 2 yrs before Aphra Behn's birth. I'm wondering could it at all have been possible that b/c of QE's trust disappointments and men issues that she might have worked through back door channel's ...... felt more comfortable with hiring a female spy rather, than a male. Yes -- I know completely unheard of for the day? But it's a thought. Anyone else half way agree?