Drama queens.

Area of Science:

• Theatre and Performance Studies
• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• The term 'lesbian playwright' is often avoided, despite its potential for artistic and cultural significance.
• Dominant homophobic and misogynist ideologies have marginalized queer women writers in British theatre.
• The historical context of feminism and gay liberation influences the perception and acceptance of this identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate why lesbian playwrights are reluctant to self-identify.
• To analyze the contemporary cultural meaning and implications of the 'lesbian playwright' label.
• To explore radical artistic forms and new genres emerging from non-binary gender identities in theatre.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of homophobic and misogynist mythologies impacting queer women writers.
• Examination of the label's history within feminist and gay liberation movements.
• Analysis of the aesthetic and economic viability of the 'lesbian playwright' identity.

Main Results:

• The study reveals how dominant societal myths have historically excluded lesbian playwrights from mainstream recognition.
• It highlights a lack of community support, further challenging the label's viability.
• Exploration of radical theatrical forms and methodologies offers new perspectives on gender and representation.

Conclusions:

• The reluctance to adopt the 'lesbian playwright' label stems from deeply ingrained cultural biases and systemic exclusion.
• Challenging these biases requires a re-evaluation of artistic and economic support structures within the theatre community.
• Emerging radical forms and genres signify a potential for greater inclusivity and innovation in contemporary theatre.