This book examines the surge of queer performance produced across Ireland since the first stirrings of the Celtic Tiger in the mid-1990s, up to the passing of the Marriage Equality referendum in the Republic in 2015.
Fintan Walsh
Queer performance Irish theatre and performance contemporary performance gender studies Irish history LGBTQ culture societal norms bibliography equality Ireland love Orient performance stage theatre
“This book offers not only a riveting account of its many forms in Ireland, but acts as a model for reading queer performance transnationally. As such, it is valuable beyond the context of Irish theatre to wider studies of queer performance and queer studies in general.” (Alyson Campbell, Contemporary Theatre Review, Vol. 27 (1), 2017)
“Its scope is challenging and – in the best sense of the word – thoughtprovoking; the depth of its theoretical framework is highly interdisciplinary and refreshing; and the performances it looks at approach the topic of the book from many varied points of view. One of the strong fortes of the book is the presentation of the argument: the performances always take centre stage and are presented and discussed in very satisfactory detail and depth. … An enjoyable and stirring read.” (Michael Heinze, Theater Forschung, theaterforschung.de, May, 2016)
"Walsh offers an eloquent, beautifully parsed analysis of LGBTQ performance in Ireland, and the affective history and potential of the nation itself, seen through queer theatre. With a deft touch, Walsh develops deeply thought, persuasive, moving arguments about the vital social and performative projects of queer Irish artists." (Jill Dolan, Annan Professor of English, Princeton University, USA)
“[a]n accessible and enjoyable read that will be useful for any study of Irish LGBT socio-cultural history and Irish performance history as well as anyone interested in the wider trajectory of Queer arts and Queer theory in Western culture.” (Lazlo Pearlman, New Theatre Quarterly)
“The arguments presented in this book are as challenging and thought provoking as the individual performances examined. It is a highly interdisciplinary work that offers deeply persuasive arguments for the vital importance of queer performance in Ireland…This comprehensive text is a completely necessary read and is an excellent addition to the field of Irish theatre and performance studies. Walsh provides an unparalleled insight into queer performance in Ireland, and the book as a whole is well written, cleverly edited, and highly informative for the academic and the casual reader.” (Carole Quigley, Irish University Review)