Paraphrase the following statement
Women were not allowed to perform on stage due to societal norms and restrictions. Acting was considered an improper profession for women, and the stage was predominantly occupied by male actors. As a result, men were tasked with portraying both male and female characters in theatrical productions. Cross-gender casting served as a theatrical convention during the Elizabethan era. It was an accepted practice in which male actors assumed female roles to bring the characters to life. This convention not only allowed for the portrayal of diverse characters but also added an intriguing layer to the performance.