Acting Gay [Paperback]

John M. Clum (Author), John Clum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1992 | Series: Between Men-Between Women

"Acting Gay" is a series of close readings of the central works of gay male drama written by American and English playwrights. The plays discussed reflect transformations of gay men in 20th-century British and American societies. Part 1 concerns the presentation of the physical aspects of homosexuality, from nudity to drag to AIDS, and their relationship to the norms of the society the audience represents. The second section surveys dramas written between 1930 and 1968 that paradoxically opened a space for homosexual characters while maintaining the closet. The third part of the text focuses on dramas written in the past three decades in which homosexuality is directly presented, reflecting gay history, gay culture and contemporary gay life.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This first major study of homosexuality in modern plays conducts a whirlwind survey of texts from Marlowe's Edward II to Finn's Falsettoland , centering on modern English and American drama. Clum's theme, role-playing as the natural state of homosexual life, is traced historically from codified closet gay characters through those who suffer and reject gay life, to integration of the self with society in a vision of wholeness for the gay community. While this is clearly a study of texts, Clum applies sociology and history with passion. He is strongest with extended textual analysis, and one wishes for more such analysis here. This is, nonetheless, an important study of drama which ought to change thinking, performance, and teaching. Recommended.
- Thomas E. Luddy, Salem State Coll., Mass.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

Traces the evolution of gay themes in drama from the subtexts of the early twentieth century to the flung-open closet doors. -- The Washington Post

Product Details

• Paperback: 393 pages
• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr (May 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231075111
• ISBN-13: 978-0231075114
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,252,825 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars We've come a long way, baby., June 25, 2010

By 

Bill Crouch (New York City) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acting Gay (Hardcover)

Though Clum should be lauded for his magnificent efforts, I was a bit surprised at his harsh criticism of "La Cage Aux Folles." Perhaps with time and a newer appreciation for the transgender community and its efforts for inclusion in all LGBT legislation, Clum may have made kinder remarks. I am very glad to have a copy of this book as it is fascinating to me to read how we have grown in our understanding of who we are and how we wish to represent ourselves theatrically.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wet wet and wild, August 17, 2000

By 

"trudey" (Nantucket, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acting Gay (Hardcover)

As the Clum authors say about acting gay in this Book it can often get wet, wet, and wild. To my knowledge, it is the only book which covers a formal way to portray Homosexuals.