7.3 Queer theory and performance

Queer theory in performance studies challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality. It examines how identities are constructed and expressed through various forms of performance, from theater to everyday life. This approach emphasizes fluidity, non-normative expressions, and the power of performance to subvert societal norms.

Key concepts include gender performativity, challenging heteronormativity, and exploring queer aesthetics. Queer performance spaces, both physical and digital, play a crucial role in fostering community and creativity. Intersectionality is also central, examining how multiple identities intersect in queer experiences and performances.

Origins of queer theory

• Emerged in the early 1990s as a critical approach to understanding gender, sexuality, and identity in performance studies
• Challenges traditional binary thinking about gender and sexuality, emphasizing fluidity and non-normative expressions
• Intersects with feminist theory, gay and lesbian studies, and critical theory to examine power structures and social norms

Foundations in gender studies

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• Builds upon feminist scholarship examining social construction of gender roles
• Explores how gender is performed and reinforced through daily actions and behaviors
• Critiques essentialist views of gender, highlighting its cultural and historical variability
• Incorporates ideas from Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" and Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique"

Influence of poststructuralism

• Draws on poststructuralist theories questioning fixed meanings and stable identities
• Utilizes Jacques Derrida's concept of deconstruction to analyze binary oppositions in gender and sexuality
• Incorporates Michel Foucault's ideas on power, discourse, and the social construction of sexuality
• Challenges grand narratives and universal truths about gender and sexual identity

Key theorists and texts

• Judith Butler's "Gender Trouble" (1990) introduces the concept of gender performativity
• Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's "Epistemology of the Closet" (1990) examines the homo/heterosexual binary
• Michael Warner's "Fear of a Queer Planet" (1993) explores queer politics and social theory
• Teresa de Lauretis coins the term "queer theory" in a 1991 special issue of differences journal
• Jack Halberstam's "Female Masculinity" (1998) investigates non-male expressions of masculinity

Queer identity in performance

• Explores how queer identities are expressed, constructed, and challenged through various forms of performance
• Examines the ways performance can subvert societal norms and expectations surrounding gender and sexuality
• Investigates the role of the body, voice, and movement in conveying queer experiences and perspectives

Challenging heteronormativity

• Questions and disrupts societal assumptions about heterosexuality as the default or "normal" sexual orientation
• Utilizes performance to expose and critique heteronormative structures in society and culture
• Explores non-heterosexual relationships and desires in theatrical productions and performance art
• Employs techniques such as gender-blind casting and reinterpretation of classic texts

Gender performativity

• Based on Judith Butler's theory that gender is not innate but performed through repeated actions
• Examines how performers embody and express gender through costume, movement, and voice
• Explores the fluidity of gender identity and expression in performance contexts
• Analyzes how drag performances can highlight the constructed nature of gender roles

Drag and gender subversion

• Investigates drag as a form of performance that challenges and parodies gender norms
• Examines the history and evolution of drag performances in various cultural contexts
• Explores how drag kings and queens use exaggeration and camp to critique gender stereotypes
• Analyzes the impact of mainstream representations of drag (RuPaul's Drag Race) on queer culture

Queer aesthetics

• Explores distinctive artistic and stylistic elements associated with queer culture and expression
• Examines how queer aesthetics challenge conventional notions of beauty, taste, and artistic value
• Investigates the role of queer aesthetics in creating visibility and community for LGBTQ+ individuals

Camp sensibility

• Analyzes camp as an ironic, exaggerated, and often humorous aesthetic style associated with queer culture
• Explores the use of camp in performance to critique social norms and celebrate marginalized identities
• Examines the historical roots of camp in gay subcultures and its evolution into mainstream popular culture
• Investigates how camp aesthetics can both empower and potentially reinforce stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals

Disidentification strategies

• Based on José Esteban Muñoz's concept of working within and against dominant cultural forms
• Explores how queer performers reappropriate and transform mainstream cultural elements
• Examines the use of parody, pastiche, and remix in queer performance to subvert heteronormative narratives
• Analyzes how disidentification can create new spaces for marginalized identities within dominant culture

Queer temporality

• Investigates non-linear and alternative conceptions of time in queer performance and theory
• Explores how queer temporality challenges traditional notions of progress, reproduction, and futurity
• Examines the use of anachronism, repetition, and circular narratives in queer performance works
• Analyzes how queer temporality relates to concepts of memory, history, and intergenerational connection

Queer performance spaces

• Examines the physical and virtual environments where queer performances take place
• Investigates how these spaces foster community, creativity, and political activism for LGBTQ+ individuals
• Explores the historical and contemporary significance of queer-specific performance venues

LGBTQ+ theater companies

• Examines the role of dedicated LGBTQ+ theater companies in producing and promoting queer-themed works
• Investigates the historical development of gay and lesbian theater groups (Theater Rhinoceros, Split Britches)
• Analyzes the impact of LGBTQ+ theater companies on representation and visibility in the performing arts
• Explores the challenges and opportunities faced by queer theater companies in different cultural contexts

Cabaret and nightclub scenes

• Investigates the historical importance of cabarets and nightclubs as spaces for queer performance and expression
• Examines the role of drag shows, burlesque, and variety acts in creating queer community and culture
• Analyzes how cabaret and nightclub performances challenge social norms and provide platforms for marginalized voices
• Explores the evolution of queer nightlife scenes in different cities and time periods

Digital queer performance

• Examines how digital platforms and technologies have created new spaces for queer performance and expression
• Investigates the role of social media, streaming platforms, and virtual reality in expanding queer performance possibilities
• Analyzes how digital spaces can provide accessibility and community for geographically isolated or closeted LGBTQ+ individuals
• Explores the challenges and opportunities of creating and sharing queer content in digital environments

Intersectionality in queer performance

• Examines how multiple identities and systems of oppression intersect in queer performance
• Investigates the ways performers address and challenge intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization
• Explores how intersectional approaches enrich and complicate understandings of queer identity and experience

Race and queerness

• Examines the intersections of racial identity and queer sexuality in performance contexts
• Investigates how performers of color navigate and challenge both racism and homophobia/transphobia
• Analyzes the contributions of QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) artists to queer performance theory and practice
• Explores how racial and queer identities inform aesthetic choices and thematic content in performance works

Class and queer identities

• Investigates how socioeconomic status intersects with queer identities in performance contexts
• Examines representations of working-class and poor LGBTQ+ individuals in theater and performance art
• Analyzes how class differences within queer communities are addressed and critiqued through performance
• Explores the role of economic factors in shaping access to and participation in queer performance spaces

Disability and queer theory

• Examines the intersections of disability studies and queer theory in performance contexts
• Investigates how disabled queer performers challenge ableist and heteronormative assumptions
• Analyzes the concept of "crip theory" and its applications in queer performance practices
• Explores how accessibility and inclusion are addressed in queer performance spaces and productions

Queer readings of classic texts

• Examines how queer theory can be applied to reinterpret and analyze traditional literary and dramatic works
• Investigates the ways in which queer perspectives can uncover hidden or suppressed themes in canonical texts
• Explores how queer readings challenge and expand traditional interpretations of classic works

Reinterpreting canonical works

• Applies queer theory to analyze and reinterpret well-known plays, novels, and poems
• Examines how queer readings can reveal new layers of meaning in works by Shakespeare, Wilde, and other canonical authors
• Investigates the potential for queer subtext in seemingly heteronormative narratives
• Explores how queer reinterpretations can challenge or reinforce the cultural significance of canonical works

Uncovering hidden queer narratives

• Examines historical and literary texts for evidence of queer experiences and relationships
• Investigates how censorship and social norms have obscured or erased queer narratives in classic works
• Analyzes the use of coded language and symbolism to express queer themes in earlier periods
• Explores the role of queer scholars and artists in recovering and amplifying hidden queer voices in literature and drama

Queer adaptations

• Examines how classic texts are reimagined and adapted through a queer lens
• Investigates the process of transforming traditional narratives to center queer characters and themes
• Analyzes examples of successful queer adaptations in theater, film, and other performance media
• Explores the potential for queer adaptations to challenge and expand the canon of dramatic literature

Queer activism through performance

• Examines how performance has been used as a tool for LGBTQ+ rights advocacy and social change
• Investigates the role of performance in raising awareness, challenging discrimination, and building community
• Explores the intersection of art and activism in queer performance practices

ACT UP and protest performances

• Examines the use of theatrical tactics by AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in the 1980s and 1990s
• Investigates how die-ins, kiss-ins, and other performative protests raised awareness about the AIDS crisis
• Analyzes the impact of ACT UP's performances on public perception and policy changes
• Explores how ACT UP's strategies have influenced subsequent queer activist performances

Pride parades as performance

• Examines the history and evolution of Pride parades as large-scale public performances of queer identity
• Investigates how Pride events balance celebration, protest, and visibility for diverse LGBTQ+ communities
• Analyzes the use of costumes, floats, and choreographed routines in Pride parades as performative elements
• Explores debates around commercialization and inclusivity in contemporary Pride celebrations

Queer performance in public spaces

• Examines how queer performers use public spaces to challenge heteronormativity and increase visibility
• Investigates the role of street theater, flash mobs, and guerrilla performances in queer activism
• Analyzes the legal and safety challenges faced by queer performers in public spaces
• Explores how public queer performances can transform perceptions of space and community

Contemporary queer performance artists

• Examines the work of current queer performers pushing boundaries in various artistic disciplines
• Investigates emerging trends and themes in contemporary queer performance practices
• Explores the global diversity of queer performance artists and their cultural contexts

Notable figures and works

• Examines the contributions of influential contemporary queer performance artists (Taylor Mac, Split Britches)
• Investigates groundbreaking performances that have shaped current understandings of queer identity and expression
• Analyzes the diverse range of artistic styles and mediums employed by contemporary queer artists
• Explores how these artists engage with current social and political issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities

Emerging trends and themes

• Examines new directions in queer performance, including increased focus on trans and non-binary experiences
• Investigates the impact of social media and digital technologies on queer performance practices
• Analyzes how contemporary queer performers address intersectionality and coalition-building
• Explores the role of autobiographical and documentary approaches in current queer performance works

Global perspectives on queer performance

• Examines queer performance practices from diverse cultural contexts around the world
• Investigates how local traditions and global LGBTQ+ movements influence queer performance in different regions
• Analyzes the challenges faced by queer performers in countries with restrictive laws or social attitudes
• Explores how international collaborations and festivals foster cross-cultural exchange in queer performance

Challenges and critiques

• Examines ongoing debates and criticisms within queer performance theory and practice
• Investigates how queer performance navigates complex issues of representation, identity, and politics
• Explores the tensions between different approaches to queer performance and activism

Homonormativity vs radical queerness

• Examines the critique of homonormativity as a form of assimilation into heteronormative structures
• Investigates how some queer performances challenge or reinforce homonormative ideals
• Analyzes debates around marriage equality and other mainstream LGBTQ+ rights issues in queer performance
• Explores how radical queer performances seek to challenge broader systems of oppression beyond sexuality

Commodification of queer culture

• Examines how queer aesthetics and performances have been appropriated by mainstream media and corporations
• Investigates the impact of commercialization on queer spaces and events (Pride sponsorships)
• Analyzes how queer performers navigate the tension between visibility and authenticity in commercial contexts
• Explores strategies for maintaining radical queer perspectives in the face of commodification

Representation and inclusivity issues

• Examines ongoing challenges in representing diverse queer experiences and identities in performance
• Investigates critiques of tokenism and stereotyping in queer representation
• Analyzes efforts to increase representation of underrepresented groups within LGBTQ+ communities
• Explores debates around who has the right to tell certain queer stories and perform certain identities

Future directions

• Examines emerging trends and potential future developments in queer performance theory and practice
• Investigates how changing social attitudes and technologies may shape queer performance in coming years
• Explores speculative and visionary approaches to imagining queer futures through performance

Queer futurism in performance

• Examines how queer performers imagine and create visions of future societies and identities
• Investigates the use of science fiction and speculative elements in queer performance works
• Analyzes how queer futurism challenges linear notions of progress and heteronormative ideas of reproduction
• Explores the potential for queer futurist performances to inspire social and political change

Technological influences on queer performance

• Examines how emerging technologies (VR, AI, biotechnology) may impact queer performance practices
• Investigates the potential for new technologies to create immersive and interactive queer performance experiences
• Analyzes how digital platforms and social media continue to shape queer identity and community formation
• Explores the ethical considerations and potential risks of technological advancements for queer performers

Evolving concepts of gender and sexuality

• Examines how changing understandings of gender and sexuality may influence future queer performances
• Investigates the increasing visibility of non-binary, genderfluid, and asexual identities in performance contexts
• Analyzes how queer performance may adapt to challenge new forms of normativity and oppression
• Explores the potential for queer performance to contribute to broader social conversations about gender and sexuality