Final answer:
The casting of a young woman as Peter Pan in theater is a tradition that serves to emphasize the character's agelessness, agility, and androgyny, while also drawing from historical practices and contributing to the fantastical aspects of the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
The casting of a young woman into the role of Peter Pan can be attributed to various reasons related to the theatrical tradition and the essence of the character. Traditionally, the character of Peter Pan, who is eternally youthful and sprightly, is often played by a woman to exemplify the character's androgynous and prepubescent nature.
This not only allows for a lighter, more agile physicality which can aid in the portrayal of flying and other stunts, but also reflects Peter's essence of being caught between the worlds of childhood and adulthood.
Furthermore, casting a woman can add layers of innocence and vulnerability that resonate with Peter's refusal to grow up.
Additionally, through history, women have played young boys in theater due to their similar appearance and physicality, especially before young actors' voices change. These traditions have persisted, and directors may choose a woman for Peter Pan to honor this historical practice.
Lastly, a woman playing Peter Pan allows for an interesting dynamic in relationships with other characters, such as Wendy, and can serve to heighten the fantastical elements of the narrative, making Peter's world seem even more distant from conventional reality.