Glossary

6.4 Split Britches and lesbian theater

8 min read•august 19, 2024

, founded in 1980 by and , revolutionized . Emerging from New York's experimental scene, they challenged mainstream conventions and represented marginalized identities through innovative performances.

The company's work blended humor, pathos, and social commentary, exploring feminist and queer themes. Their signature productions, like "" and "," subverted gender norms and celebrated lesbian desire, inspiring future generations of queer artists.

Origins of Split Britches

  • Split Britches, a pioneering lesbian theater company, was founded in 1980 by Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver
  • The company emerged from the vibrant experimental theater scene in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s
  • Split Britches played a crucial role in the development of queer and feminist performance art, challenging mainstream theater conventions and representing marginalized identities

Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver

Top images from around the web for Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver

  • Discipline and Desire View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Blacktino Queer Performance View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Discipline and Desire View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver

  • Discipline and Desire View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Blacktino Queer Performance View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Discipline and Desire View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3
  • Peggy Shaw and Lois Weaver met while working on a production of Spiderwoman Theater's "Split Britches" in 1979, which inspired the name of their company
  • Shaw, an American performance artist and actress, brought a bold, physical presence to the stage
  • Weaver, a British-born director and performer, contributed a keen sense of humor and political activism to their collaborative work

Influences from WOW Cafe

  • Split Britches was closely associated with the WOW Cafe, a women's theater collective in New York's East Village
  • The WOW Cafe provided a supportive space for women artists to experiment with new forms of performance and explore feminist and lesbian themes
  • Split Britches drew inspiration from the DIY ethos and collaborative spirit of the WOW Cafe community

Feminist and queer sensibilities

  • Split Britches' work was deeply rooted in feminist and queer politics, challenging patriarchal structures and heteronormative assumptions
  • The company's performances often featured strong, complex female characters and explored the experiences of lesbian and queer women
  • Split Britches aimed to create a distinctly lesbian aesthetic, celebrating desire between women and subverting traditional gender roles

Signature works and performances

  • Split Britches created a diverse body of work over the course of their career, ranging from full-length plays to performance art pieces
  • The company's productions often blended humor, pathos, and social commentary, engaging audiences in provocative and entertaining ways
  • Some of Split Britches' most notable works include "Belle Reprieve," "," and "Menopausal Gentleman"

Belle Reprieve

  • "Belle Reprieve" (1991) was a queer re-imagining of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire"
  • The performance subverted the original play's gender dynamics, with Shaw and Weaver playing the roles of Stanley and Blanche, respectively
  • "Belle Reprieve" explored themes of desire, power, and the construction of gender identity

Dress Suits to Hire

  • "Dress Suits to Hire" (1987) was a performance piece that examined the complexities of lesbian relationships and the impact of societal expectations on queer women
  • The work featured Shaw and Weaver playing multiple characters, using costume changes and role-playing to explore different aspects of lesbian identity
  • "Dress Suits to Hire" challenged the notion of fixed sexual and gender categories, highlighting the fluidity and diversity of queer experiences

Menopausal Gentleman

  • "Menopausal Gentleman" (1997) was a solo performance by Peggy Shaw that explored the intersection of aging, gender, and sexuality
  • In the piece, Shaw embodied a masculine persona, reflecting on the experience of menopause and the shifting nature of desire and identity over time
  • "Menopausal Gentleman" challenged ageist and sexist stereotypes, celebrating the vitality and complexity of older women's lives

Subversive theatrical techniques

  • Split Britches employed a range of innovative and subversive techniques in their performances, challenging conventional theater practices and engaging audiences in new ways
  • The company's work often blurred the boundaries between performers and spectators, creating a sense of intimacy and shared experience
  • Split Britches' theatrical strategies aimed to disrupt normative assumptions about gender, sexuality, and storytelling

Gender play and drag

  • and were central to Split Britches' performances, with Shaw and Weaver often taking on masculine or gender-ambiguous roles
  • By subverting traditional gender representations, Split Britches highlighted the performative nature of gender and challenged binary thinking
  • The company's use of drag went beyond mere cross-dressing, serving as a means to interrogate power dynamics and explore the fluidity of identity

Non-linear narratives

  • Split Britches often employed non-linear and fragmented narrative structures in their performances
  • By disrupting chronological storytelling, the company created space for multiple interpretations and encouraged audiences to actively engage with the work
  • allowed Split Britches to juxtapose different moments in time, drawing connections between personal experiences and broader social and political issues

Audience interaction and participation

  • Split Britches frequently incorporated and participation into their performances, breaking down the fourth wall and creating a sense of community
  • Audience members were often invited to contribute their own stories, thoughts, or actions, blurring the line between spectator and performer
  • By involving the audience, Split Britches fostered a sense of shared ownership and investment in the work, encouraging critical reflection and dialogue

Themes in Split Britches' work

  • Throughout their career, Split Britches explored a range of themes that resonated with lesbian and queer audiences, while also speaking to broader human experiences
  • The company's work often grappled with questions of identity, desire, and the struggle for social and political liberation
  • Split Britches' performances aimed to give voice to marginalized perspectives and challenge dominant cultural narratives

Lesbian desire and sexuality

  • Split Britches' work celebrated lesbian desire and sexuality, representing the complexities and joys of intimate relationships between women
  • The company's performances often depicted lesbian characters as strong, multifaceted individuals, countering stereotypes and asserting the validity of queer love
  • By centering lesbian experiences, Split Britches contributed to the visibility and empowerment of queer women in the arts and society

Challenging gender norms

  • Split Britches consistently challenged and subverted traditional gender norms, exposing the ways in which gender is socially constructed and performed
  • The company's work highlighted the limitations and oppressive nature of binary gender roles, advocating for a more fluid and inclusive understanding of gender identity
  • Through their performances, Split Britches created space for alternative expressions of masculinity, femininity, and androgyny

Aging and identity

  • Split Britches' work often explored the intersection of aging and identity, particularly in relation to gender and sexuality
  • Performances like "Menopausal Gentleman" challenged ageist assumptions and celebrated the wisdom, resilience, and vitality of older women
  • By representing the experiences of aging queer individuals, Split Britches contributed to a more nuanced and diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ lives across the lifespan

Impact on lesbian theater

  • Split Britches played a crucial role in the development and visibility of lesbian theater, paving the way for future generations of queer artists
  • The company's work challenged mainstream theater conventions and asserted the value and importance of lesbian perspectives and experiences
  • Split Britches' influence can be seen in the work of numerous contemporary queer theater companies and performance artists

Visibility for lesbian artists

  • Split Britches provided a platform for lesbian artists to showcase their talents and share their stories, at a time when queer voices were largely marginalized in the theater world
  • The company's success and critical acclaim helped to increase the visibility and legitimacy of lesbian theater, both within the LGBTQ+ community and in the broader cultural landscape
  • By centering lesbian experiences and perspectives, Split Britches contributed to the diversification and enrichment of American theater

Inspiration for new generations

  • Split Britches' innovative and subversive approach to theater inspired new generations of queer artists, who built upon the company's legacy and continued to push the boundaries of performance
  • The company's work demonstrated the power of theater as a tool for social and political change, encouraging younger artists to use their craft to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights
  • Split Britches' mentorship and collaboration with emerging artists helped to foster a sense of community and continuity within lesbian and queer theater

Pushing boundaries of queer performance

  • Split Britches consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible in queer performance, experimenting with new forms, techniques, and subject matter
  • The company's work expanded the scope and definition of lesbian theater, incorporating elements of performance art, drag, and multimedia
  • By continually innovating and taking risks, Split Britches helped to create space for a wider range of queer artistic expression and paved the way for more diverse and inclusive theater

Split Britches' legacy

  • Split Britches' contributions to queer art history and contemporary theater continue to be celebrated and studied, both within academia and the performing arts community
  • The company's work remains a touchstone for scholars, activists, and artists interested in the intersection of gender, sexuality, and performance
  • Split Britches' legacy serves as a reminder of the power of art to challenge social norms, give voice to marginalized communities, and imagine new possibilities for human connection and liberation

Contributions to queer art history

  • Split Britches played a significant role in the development of queer art history, helping to establish lesbian theater as a distinct and vital form of cultural expression
  • The company's work challenged dominant narratives and representations of gender and sexuality in the arts, creating space for alternative perspectives and experiences
  • Split Britches' performances, writings, and archival materials serve as important historical documents, providing insight into the struggles and triumphs of queer artists in the late 20th century

Ongoing influence in contemporary theater

  • Split Britches' influence can be seen in the work of numerous contemporary theater companies and performance artists who engage with themes of gender, sexuality, and identity
  • The company's subversive techniques and collaborative approach continue to inspire new generations of queer theater-makers, who adapt and build upon Split Britches' innovations
  • Split Britches' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of creating and supporting spaces for marginalized voices in the arts, and the transformative power of queer storytelling

Recognition and awards

  • Split Britches has received numerous awards and accolades for their groundbreaking work in lesbian and queer theater
  • The company has been recognized with grants and fellowships from prestigious organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and the Guggenheim Foundation
  • Split Britches' contributions to the arts have been celebrated through retrospectives, exhibitions, and scholarly publications, cementing their status as pioneers and legends of queer performance

Key Terms to Review (21)

AIDS Crisis: The AIDS Crisis refers to the widespread epidemic of HIV/AIDS that began in the late 20th century, primarily impacting LGBTQ+ communities and marginalized groups. It brought about a profound social and political upheaval, prompting urgent activism and creating a sense of urgency around healthcare, representation, and the arts as forms of resistance and advocacy against stigma and discrimination.
Audience interaction: Audience interaction refers to the ways in which performers engage with their audience during a performance, creating a dynamic exchange that can influence the experience and interpretation of the work. This engagement can take various forms, such as direct communication, involvement in the performance, or eliciting responses from the audience. In the context of queer theater, especially in works by companies like Split Britches, audience interaction often serves to challenge traditional boundaries and norms, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Audience reception studies: Audience reception studies is a field of research focused on how different audiences interpret and engage with various forms of media and art. It emphasizes the active role of the audience in meaning-making, acknowledging that viewers bring their own experiences, identities, and cultural contexts to their interpretations. This perspective is crucial in understanding the impact of performance art, particularly in movements like lesbian theater, where diverse audience reactions can reveal the complexities of gender and sexual identities.
Belle reprieve: Belle reprieve refers to a moment of relief or escape, often portrayed in the context of performance and theater where characters experience a temporary respite from their struggles or societal constraints. This concept is frequently examined within the framework of queer theater, emphasizing how such moments can serve as both a critique of and a commentary on the realities of marginalized identities.
Cultural critique: Cultural critique is an analytical approach that examines and challenges societal norms, values, and practices, often revealing underlying power dynamics and inequalities. This type of critique encourages audiences to reflect on the cultural context of art and its relationship to broader social issues, including identity, representation, and political power. By utilizing various mediums, artists engage with cultural critique to provoke thought and inspire change in the viewers’ understanding of marginalized experiences.
Drag: Drag is a performance art form where individuals dress in exaggerated clothing and adopt behaviors associated with the opposite gender, often to entertain and challenge societal norms. It serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, political commentary, and the exploration of gender identity and fluidity. The art of drag has evolved into various styles and subcultures, contributing significantly to queer culture and performance.
Dress suits to hire: Dress suits to hire refers to the practice of renting formal attire, typically including tailored suits and accessories, for special events or performances. This concept became particularly relevant in the context of theater, as it allowed performers, especially within the lesbian theater movement, to access gender-affirming clothing that might not have been readily available to them in mainstream fashion.
Feminist performance theory: Feminist performance theory is a framework that examines how performance art and theater reflect, challenge, and reshape gender roles and societal norms. It emphasizes the significance of the body as a site of political expression and explores the intersection of gender, sexuality, and identity in performance. This theory connects deeply with the cultural practices of marginalized communities, revealing how performance can be a powerful medium for feminist activism and representation.
Gender play: Gender play refers to the performance and exploration of gender identities and expressions that challenge traditional norms and expectations. This concept allows individuals to experiment with their gender in ways that may include cross-dressing, role reversal, or the adoption of characteristics typically associated with the opposite gender. In performance art and theater, gender play can be a powerful tool for subverting societal norms and creating dialogue around gender issues.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect and interact to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept helps to understand the complexity of social issues and the unique experiences of individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups.
Lesbian theater: Lesbian theater refers to a genre of performance that centers the experiences, stories, and identities of lesbian women, often challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms. This form of theater creates a space for authentic representation, allowing for exploration of lesbian relationships, community, and issues faced by women who love women. It plays a crucial role in queer culture by fostering visibility and promoting dialogue about sexuality and identity through various artistic expressions.
Lois Weaver: Lois Weaver is a prominent lesbian theater artist, activist, and educator known for her work in creating and performing innovative queer theater. Her contributions to the field have been instrumental in advancing lesbian representation on stage and in fostering a space for feminist and queer narratives. Weaver's work often blends humor, personal storytelling, and political commentary, making it both accessible and impactful within the broader context of lesbian theater.
Menopausal gentleman: The term 'menopausal gentleman' refers to a male character often depicted in theater and performance art who embodies the traits associated with menopause, such as emotional sensitivity, introspection, and vulnerability. This concept challenges traditional masculine norms by presenting a male figure who embraces traits typically labeled as feminine, thus expanding the spectrum of gender expression in performance.
Non-linear narratives: Non-linear narratives are storytelling techniques that do not follow a traditional chronological order. Instead, these narratives may present events out of sequence, include flashbacks or flash-forwards, or juxtapose multiple storylines. This style allows for a more complex exploration of themes and character development, often reflecting the fragmented nature of human experience.
Peggy Shaw: Peggy Shaw is a prominent lesbian playwright, performer, and co-founder of the groundbreaking theater company Split Britches, known for its innovative and politically charged productions. Her work often explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the experiences of women, particularly within the context of lesbian culture. Through her performances and writing, Shaw has played a crucial role in shaping lesbian theater and bringing queer narratives to the forefront of the performing arts.
Queer performance art: Queer performance art is a dynamic form of artistic expression that challenges societal norms and explores issues related to gender, sexuality, and identity through live performance. It often incorporates elements of theater, dance, and visual art, creating a space for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. This art form is deeply rooted in activism, using performance as a medium to confront and subvert traditional narratives surrounding queer identities.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an academic field that emerged in the early 1990s, focusing on the study of gender and sexuality from a critical perspective. It challenges traditional norms and categories surrounding identity, emphasizing the fluidity of gender and sexual orientation. This approach connects to various forms of expression and activism, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in understanding the complexities of identity.
Split Britches: Split Britches is a feminist theater collective founded in 1980 by artists Lois Weaver and Peggy Shaw, which has played a significant role in shaping lesbian theater and performance art. The group is known for its innovative blend of humor, politics, and personal narratives that challenge societal norms surrounding gender and sexuality, making it a crucial part of queer cultural history.
Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969. These events are widely considered a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, influencing numerous aspects of queer art, activism, and identity.
Visibility politics: Visibility politics refers to the strategies and practices aimed at increasing the representation and recognition of marginalized communities in public discourse, art, and media. This concept emphasizes the importance of being seen and acknowledged as a means of challenging stereotypes and asserting identity. It connects deeply with how different groups, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, use visibility as a tool for empowerment and social change.
Wow Café: Wow Café was a groundbreaking lesbian theater and performance space established in New York City in the late 1980s. It served as a hub for lesbian artists, creating a platform for innovative performances and fostering community engagement, while addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, and identity through various forms of art and expression.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Back
Practice QuizGlossary
Practice QuizGlossary
Next guide