EDNA TURNBLAD Hairspray Live! character

Exploring Edna Turnblad: The Iconic Character Of Hairspray And Gender Representation

EDNA TURNBLAD Hairspray Live! character

Edna Turnblad has a weakness for pink-sequined dresses, a passion for her husband, and a triple-E bra. Edna also has a secret. Edna is a man. To be precise, her character in "Hairspray" has always been played by a man: drag queen Divine in the original John Waters film, gruff-voiced Harvey Fierstein in the Broadway musical, and, starting this week, John Travolta in the movie musical. Just as Peter Pan is almost always played by a woman, it's impossible to imagine a "Hairspray" in which Edna isn't hiding a stubble under her pancake makeup. The obvious reason is that more-is-more is part of the "Hairspray" ethos, from the hairstyles to the musical numbers. Having a man play the plus-size Edna makes her funnier and adds a wink-wink knowingness to the depiction of an archetype of maternity.

But what is that wink all about? Edna is hardly the only iconic female character who’s really a he. Tyler Perry has made a career of playing the overweight, overbearing grandmother Madea, while both Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence strapped on fat suits and wigs in recent films. Despite decades-long careers, Dustin Hoffman’s and Robin Williams’s most beloved alter egos are arguably Tootsie and Mrs. Doubtfire. Richard Barrios, a film historian and author, notes that the blurring of differences between masculinity and femininity is integral to these portrayals. Yet, many conventions of drama have evolved, raising questions about the appropriateness of these portrayals in modern cinema.

The convention of men playing women dates back to ancient Greece and has roots in Japanese Kabuki theater. In Shakespeare's time, men played all the roles, creating gender confusion in plays such as "As You Like It," where Rosalind disguises herself as a man to win her lover's heart. This practice has been a comedic staple in both Britain and America since the 1892 play "Charley's Aunt." The public loves the idea of men playing women in film, especially in a comedy, as evidenced by the success of films like "Some Like It Hot" and "Tootsie."

Understanding the Cultural Significance of Drag

Take Martin Lawrence. In the "Big Momma" movies, he follows a time-honored tradition of male characters who go "undercover" as women, either to elude bad guys or win the heart of a real, yet surprisingly clueless woman. This wolf-in-sheep's-clothing ruse powers many comedies, where the men’s struggles to adopt "feminine" ways often lead to humor. However, the women in these films rarely experience the same character growth. They remain secondary to the men, who often emancipate them from their perceived second-class status.

In "Tootsie," for example, Michael’s alter ego, Dorothy, advocates for gender equality in the workplace. But while the male protagonists evolve, the female characters often do not question the gender dynamics at play. In "Some Like It Hot," when Josephine reveals he is really Joe, Sugar (played by Marilyn Monroe) dismisses his concerns, suggesting that perhaps the film undermines women's intelligence in comparison to men.

The Debate on Representation in Media

Tyler Perry’s Madea, Eddie Murphy’s Rasputia, and Travolta’s Edna never appear on screen as men. Critics argue that casting men in these roles denies women opportunities in film. Writer Jill Nelson highlights the frustration that arises when male actors dress up as women, stating it's as if they are taking jobs away from real female talents. This is particularly pertinent in the context of black women being underrepresented in Hollywood.

Moreover, the question arises about whether roles like Edna should be played by gay men, given Edna’s iconic status within the LGBTQ+ community. While some embrace drag as a form of expression, others feel it perpetuates stereotypes about gay men wanting to be women. This complexity is compounded when straight actors portray drag roles, often reducing the nuanced message of acceptance that characters like Divine brought to the screen.

Conclusion: The Future of Gender Representation in Film

Despite the changing landscape of cinema, Zadan, the executive producer of "Hairspray," states he never considered casting a woman for Edna, preferring to honor the tradition established by Waters. He argues that there should be no boundaries for what an actor can accomplish in film. The prosthetically enhanced gender-swapping seen in films today may define the future of drag in mainstream cinema. However, as Travolta himself has indicated, the portrayal of Edna was never meant to be a "drag joke," highlighting a shift towards a more respectful interpretation of these complex characters.

Ultimately, as discussions around gender representation in film evolve, it is crucial to consider the implications of casting choices and the narratives being told. As audiences become more aware of these dynamics, the hope is for a future where diverse stories are told with authenticity and respect, allowing characters like Edna Turnblad to transcend mere comedic roles and engage with audiences on a deeper level.

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EDNA TURNBLAD Hairspray Live! character
EDNA TURNBLAD Hairspray Live! character
Edna Turnblad Hairspray Wiki Fandom
Edna Turnblad Hairspray Wiki Fandom
'Hairspray' Edna Turnblad Male Actors Who Took On the "Timeless" Role
'Hairspray' Edna Turnblad Male Actors Who Took On the "Timeless" Role