Curtains, Corsets, and Culture: The History and Role of Drag in Shaping Theatre and Opera

Authors: Logan Shields, Janis Astor del Valle

SUNY Campus: Purchase College

Presentation Type: Oral

Location: UUW 325

Presentation #: 7

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: This paper examines the evolving role of drag in theater and opera, tracing its historical origins, sociopolitical implications, and contemporary challenges. Initially a necessity—men performing female roles due to gender restrictions—drag has transformed into a dynamic tool for affirming gender fluidity and disrupting societal norms. This study explores drag’s progression from a theatrical convention to a powerful medium of artistic and political expression, analyzing its function as both visual spectacle and cultural resistance in classical and modern productions. Methodologically, qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with drag performers (including Charles Busch), theater professionals, and scholars. Quantitative analysis of Broadway box office statistics highlights the economic impact of drag-inclusive productions. A historical review—from ancient Greece to the contemporary stage—is complemented by an examination of legal challenges to drag performance in the United States. Findings underscore drag’s critical role in subverting gender norms, enriching character depth, and expanding theatrical storytelling. The increasing presence of drag in mainstream productions signals a shift toward greater representation and inclusivity. The conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for legal protections and advocacy to safeguard the artistic freedom and safety of drag performers amid political opposition. Future research should focus on the intersection of race and gender in drag, its economic influence on theater, and strategies to counter anti-drag legislation.