Theatre and Sexuality

by Jill Dolan, Tim Miller (Foreword)

Why is it useful to look at theatre and performance through the lens of sexual identity? How has commercial theatre embraced gay and lesbian work?

Theatre and Sexuality introduces critical methods and artistic practices that link drama, theatre and performance with minority sexualities in both the U.S. and UK. It narrates a select history of LGBTQ theatre from the early 20th century through today. Including an extended reading of Split Britches/Bloolips' production Belle Reprieve, the book offers clear analysis, as well as a celebration, of LGBTQ performance.

Genres: Theatre, Theory

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2010

Reviews

[Amelia Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a product of its time in some of its terminology / heavy handed approaches to some issues but very very interesting nonetheless

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

By definition, this pocket-sized book is an introduction into sexuality and performance studies/theater history. It’s a taste that whets the appetite and has a very exciting reading list (worth the price of admission), even as the book itself mostly serves as a brief introduction to some of the off the beaten path gay and lesbian (mostly) performers of yore. Dolan’s analysis as always is astute and lucid; tough to find a scholar who writes as clearly. Leaves you wanting to read her more involved works (like Utopia in Performance).

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very informative little volume. However, its mishandling or rather heavy-handedness when writing about transness and queerness outside the realms of cis gay men and women, albeit a product of its time perhaps, means a rewrite or edit is in order for it to retain contemporary value.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent introduction - important to note functions as an intro, not a guide. needs more trans awareness, partic when describing stonewall (come on). worth the price for the further reading list alone

[Irati Agirrezabalaga · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING BEAUTIFUL PERFECT JUST WHAT I NEEDED

[aj! · Rating 3 out of 5]

more history than theory, but necessary history. would be good preliminary reading for an intro the queer performance / theater

[mer jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

very insightful but very binary and very transmed vibes eek

[Dara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm actively pissed off by this book's almost total erasure of bisexuality and its glossing over of contributions from trans folks to the theatre. It also heavily prioritizes the contributions of white gays and lesbians, because of course it does. Also, #stopbierasure2k17

[Mark Ludmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short book in the Theatre & series, Jill Dolan comments that “change happens slowly” but a lot has happened since it was published in 2010. It is a useful perspective on LGBTQ+ theatre in the US and, to some extent, in the UK in the 1980s, 1990s and the start of the 21st century, mostly focusing on the 1990s and shows such as Angels in America (1990-92) and Belle Reprieve (1991). Some of its points remain relevant but others, such as trans representation and LGBTQ+ casting have moved on significantly.