Drag Vistas and Visions - (Methuen Drama Engage) by Mark Edward & Stephen Farrier (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This third and final volume in Edward and Farrier's groundbreaking trilogy spotlights the vibrant spectrum of drag as an art form, identity category and political force. Drawing on practice, research, and interdisciplinary approaches, the volume captures drag's continual capacity to challenge, critique and create.

Drawing from a range of academic disciplines, including critical disability studies, media, philosophy, linguistics, the book celebrates the many faces - and possibilities - of drag as a cultural and performance form. The contributions include chapters that are assertively activist, deeply reflective, and thought provoking.

This third volume goes in search of new conversations through the exploration of critical drag studies. The frameworks that formulate these conversations advocate for a broader, inclusive vision of drag, while not shying away from some of its problematic components. The chapters peek behind the glamourous veneer of drag, exposing the grit and sweat that underpin the performance, while winking at the theory that we may use to understand. Drag Vistas and Visions sees drag through a transformative lens that pushes boundaries and transcends the ordinary.

Review Quotes

An in-depth study of Camp containing a chapter on David Bowie's relationship to the phenomenon? Count me in! An entertaining, exhaustive and illuminating book - fascinating to read the stories of the various Drag Queens from different cultures, each with their own unique self-invented persona... a very Ziggy Stardust concept.
Mark Wardel, Artist

Drag as a critical field of study owes no small debt to Edward and Farrier who, in this third and final volume of their ground-breaking series, continue to shine light on drags' plurality and multi-vocality. Bringing together a diverse range of practices and voices, the 'vistas' and 'visions' represented here extend well beyond the mainstream, revealing not just what drag does now, but envisioning what it may yet still do. Drag as a field is justifiably acknowledged. So too is the need and invitation to keep negotiating and changing its boundaries.
Professor Dee Heddon, James Arnott Chair in Drama, University of Glasgow, UK

If you are interested in the history and academic aspects of Drag, this book is for you. The assorted chapters written by different experts give different views of Drag all around the world.
Sue Tilley, Leigh Bowery biographer

About the Author

Mark Edward is a recovering academic, performer, artist and author.

Stephen Farrier is Professor of Theatre and Performance and Deputy Principal of Rose Bruford College.