Drag Vistas and Visions

The third and final in a set, this book explores what languages and critical frameworks are available to speak about and theorise contemporary and historical drag performance.

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.