How Musicals Use Erotic Subtext to Critique Heteronormativity, Gender Roles, and Societal Expectations
Musicals have always been known for their ability to tell stories through music and lyrics, but they also often contain subtle messages about society's expectations of gender roles and sexuality. One way that this is done is through the inclusion of erotic subtext. This can be seen in many different musicals from various time periods and genres.
Erotic subtext refers to the suggestion of a sexual or romantic relationship between characters who may not actually be having one. It can include suggestive dialogue, physical contact, and even innuendo. In musicals, it is often used to explore themes of heteronormativity, which is the assumption that everyone is either straight or cisgendered. By including these elements in their productions, musical writers are able to challenge traditional ideas about what is considered "normal" when it comes to relationships and sex.
One example of this can be found in the classic musical Cabaret. The plot centers around Sally Bowles, a cabaret singer in pre-World War II Berlin, who falls in love with an American writer named Cliff Bradshaw.
The two never consummate their relationship and instead remain friends throughout the show. Despite this, there are several moments where their chemistry is obvious, and the audience is left wondering if they will ever take things further. This creates tension and drama within the story, as well as making us question why they don't just get together. It suggests that perhaps there are deeper reasons for their hesitation beyond simple attraction.
Another example is found in the Broadway hit Hamilton. The show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and his rivalry with Aaron Burr, who eventually kills him in a duel. Throughout the production, there are several references to their close friendship and hints at a possible affair.
In the song "The Schuyler Sisters," Angelica Schuyler sings about her desire for Hamilton while also describing how she wants to be his wife. The scene ends with her kissing him on the cheek, suggesting that he may have been unfaithful to Eliza. In another number, "Satisfied," Eliza sings about wanting revenge against her husband for cheating on her, but it's unclear whether or not she actually knows the truth. These elements create an erotic subtext between Hamilton and Burr that challenges traditional ideas about masculinity and fidelity.
Musicals can also use erotic subtext to explore societal expectations around gender roles. One such example is seen in the rock opera Rent. The main character, Mark Cohen, is gay and HIV-positive, while his love interest, Roger Davis, is straight and healthy. Despite this, they fall in love and spend much of the show trying to figure out how to make their relationship work. This explores the idea that society expects people to conform to certain sexual orientations and gender identities, even when those labels don't accurately reflect who they are as individuals.
Erotic subtext can also be used to comment on power dynamics within relationships.
In the musical Wicked, the characters of Glinda and Elphaba both find themselves falling for the same man, Fiyero.
Glinda is portrayed as more innocent and naive than Elphaba, who has a darker past. This creates tension between the two women and forces them to confront their own desires and fears. It suggests that sex and power often go hand in hand, with one person using the other for their own gain.
Musicals have long been known for their ability to tell stories through song and dance, but they also often contain subtle messages about society's expectations regarding gender roles and sexuality. By including erotic subtext in their productions, writers are able to challenge traditional ideas about what is considered "normal" when it comes to relationships and sex. They allow us to question why these assumptions exist and whether or not they are truly accurate reflections of reality.
How do musicals use erotic subtext to critique heteronormativity, gender roles, and societal expectations?
Musicals have been known to employ various techniques to challenge traditional notions of gender roles and societal norms through the use of erotic subtext. One such technique is the portrayal of same-sex relationships that subverts heteronormative expectations by presenting alternative sexualities as acceptable and desirable.