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The New York Times on Instagram: “... Are men in dresses still funny? The history of…”

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The New York Times shared a post on Instagram: "As several shows come to Broadway featuring main characters in drag, some are asking: Are men in dresses still funny? The history of onstage cross-dressing goes way, way, way back — think of the ancient Greeks and Shakespeare, Kabuki and panto, “Hairspray” and “Matilda.” A long line of performers — Milton Berle and Martin Lawrence, Dame Edna and Tyler Perry — have donned dresses in the pursuit of laughs. But now this longstanding theatrical device is considerably more contested. Each new production prompts a new round of reflection, conversation and occasionally controversy over whether these characterizations are sexist, transphobic, dated or delightful. We asked 10 artists to reflect on the enduring trope and how it works, or doesn’t, today. Tap the link in our bio to read more thoughts on drag and gender on Broadway. Photo by @djdumpling". Follow their account to see 13179 posts.

• Follow More options As several shows come to Broadway featuring main characters in drag, some are asking: Are men in dresses still funny? The history of onstage cross-dressing goes way, way, way back — think of the ancient Greeks and Shakespeare, Kabuki and panto, “Hairspray” and “Matilda.” A long line of performers — Milton Berle and Martin Lawrence, Dame Edna and Tyler Perry — have donned dresses in the pursuit of laughs. But now this longstanding theatrical device is considerably more contested. Each new production prompts a new round of reflection, conversation and occasionally…

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