Heterosexist discourse and the critics : gay stereotypes in New York theatre reviews

Includes bibliographical references (pages [88]-101).This thesis is an examination of gay stereotypes in New York theatrical reviews. Tracing the use of stereotypes, as defined by John Clum in his book Acting Gav. such reviews reflect a larger heterosexual response to homosexuality. Beginning with 1933's The Green Bay Tree, this thesis traces works up through 1993, including Tony Kushner's Angels in America. What this thesis attempts to show is that despite the fact that bias against gays is less and less acceptable, critics continue to reinforce certain gay stereotypes, or myths, in their writing. The examination of these works traces the shifts in mainstream reaction to gay drama and its perception of homosexuality.M.S. (Master of Science