Honors Theses

Advisor

Michelle Hayford

Department

Theater, Dance and Performance Technology

Publication Date

4-1-2022

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

The history of gender performance is long and complex, spanning across different times and places that are each fascinating in their right and worth being studied. This thesis focuses specifically on the drag performances that take place in and around Dayton, Ohio. The research presented here is based on explorations of two distinct time periods 100 years apart from each other, the turn of the 20th century and the modern day. These two distinct times and cultures are each characterized by the performances that occurred, how they were received by audiences, the identities of the performers and the degree of social acceptance they received. This thesis uses primary data collected from archives, field observations, and oral histories to construct an accurate account of the legacies of drag performance in Dayton, cementing the importance of queer life and culture in the history of the city.

Permission Statement

This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.

Keywords

Undergraduate research

Disciplines

Theatre and Performance Studies

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