Event Title
The Man Behind the Dress
Location
CSU 204
Start Date
21-4-2008 10:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2008 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Communication Studies
Student's College
Arts and Humanities
Mentor's Name
Leah White
Mentor's Department
Communication Studies
Mentor's College
Arts and Humanities
Description
The Character, Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray" has always been known to be played by a man. In the original Hairspray movie directed by John Watters the role was played by drag performer Divine. In the Broadway adaptations the role kept the tradition of having a male perform the role. In the most recent movie, John Travolta was cast into the role, but his performance lacks the subversive confusions define & explain more offered in previous portrayals. For example, the role was previously taken on by openly gay actors and known for their performances in drag. However, a comfortably popular John Travolta has been cast into a tamed down role of Edna Turnblad, and chooses to portray a more feminine character, which entrenches and normalizes gender notions. This presentation uses Judith Butler's work exploring gender performances, and her theories in her 1990 book Gender Trouble. The presentation uses Butler as a framework utilizing textual analysis and rhetorical criticism to explain how John Travolta's performance lacks subversive confusion and violates the original intended parodic function of the Edna Turnblad character.
The Man Behind the Dress
CSU 204
The Character, Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray" has always been known to be played by a man. In the original Hairspray movie directed by John Watters the role was played by drag performer Divine. In the Broadway adaptations the role kept the tradition of having a male perform the role. In the most recent movie, John Travolta was cast into the role, but his performance lacks the subversive confusions define & explain more offered in previous portrayals. For example, the role was previously taken on by openly gay actors and known for their performances in drag. However, a comfortably popular John Travolta has been cast into a tamed down role of Edna Turnblad, and chooses to portray a more feminine character, which entrenches and normalizes gender notions. This presentation uses Judith Butler's work exploring gender performances, and her theories in her 1990 book Gender Trouble. The presentation uses Butler as a framework utilizing textual analysis and rhetorical criticism to explain how John Travolta's performance lacks subversive confusion and violates the original intended parodic function of the Edna Turnblad character.
Recommended Citation
Sorenson, Zeke. "The Man Behind the Dress." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2008.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2008/oral-session-05/6
