Are you associated with Alison Bechdel?

No.

We named Bechdel Theatre after the ‘Dykes to Watch Out For’ comic strip by Alison Bechdel, but not in collaboration with the artist herself.

Alison Bechdel is not personally involved or affiliated with this organisation in any way.

 

Do you use the Bechdel test?

Yes, but we don’t take it too seriously.

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We use “The Test” as a starting point to provoke conversation on how gender is represented in performance. We’re very inspired by lots of other aspects of Bechdel’s work beyond the test that’s named after her!

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As a queer-led company, we aim to amplify the queer origins of the test and include performance by people of all marginalised genders, as demonstrated in Bechdel’s work which features lesbian, bisexual, queer and trans characters.

 

What percentage of shows pass the Bechdel test?

We don’t measure or keep data on “how many” shows pass The Test and we don’t consider ourselves gatekeepers of how “well” a show passes. 

 

Can a solo show pass the Bechdel test?

We think that solo shows can absolutely pass The Test - particularly if there is multi-role-ing or audience participation! 

 

Are you trans-inclusive?

Yes.

We aim to amplify people of all marginalised genders.

This includes: cis women, trans, non-binary, agender, genderqueer, or genderfluid people.

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What's "people of marginalised genders"?

We currently use the phrase "people of marginalised genders" as an umbrella term (see above). We use this to emphasise the value we see in solidarity between people who have experiences of marginalisation relating to their gender.

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However, we acknowledge that umbrella terms, and indeed all language around gender, is often inadequate - it doesn't always apply to everyone, or tell the whole story of the self or society. For this reason, we frequently reflect on the language we use as a company, and will change the words and terms we use, to reflect changes in the wider world. Let us know if you have feedback on the language we use.

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We recognise that everyone's experience of gender is different, that it intersects with other aspects of identity, and we try to use language that reflects this perspective. When we make space for people of marginalised genders, our intention is not to 'lump' together or erase any individual or group within our communities, but is driven by our desire for collective liberation from sexism, transphobia, homophobia, racism, ablism, classism, and all other forms of oppression.

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It's important to also acknowledge that gender means more to many of us than something that's used to "marginalise" us. We recognise that experiences around gender (including gender euphoria, dysphoria, ambivalence, or neutrality) are complex, and may be individual and personal as well as collective experiences.  We exist to celebrate and create opportunities to build solidarity and community between people whose experiences go deeper and beyond our shared and/or interconnected experiences of marginalisation.

 

Do you produce theatre?

Not really.

We aren’t a production company - we mainly focus on amplifying the work of other artists and companies, and supporting access to and engagement with performing arts.

But we do sometimes put on special performance and cabaret events. 

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Can you review my show?

No, we don't write conventional reviews.

But we do regularly feature shows on our platforms and promote them to our followers.

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If we’ve seen your show (and liked it) we might be able to do one or more of the following to help you connect with audiences:

• Feature it on our social media.

• Podcast about it.

• Write about it in our blog. 

• Run a Bechdel Circle event.

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Contact us if you'd like us to see your show

 

Do you have a theatre building or performance space?

Not yet!

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