Men in drag

Abstract

The very appearance of men in drag is hyperbolic. Male perceptions of women's physical characteristics are presented in a manner that is larger-than life: exaggerated breasts, too-heavy makeup, extra-long eyelashes, very high heels, and frequently, scant clothing. Often these figures are to be found in the theatre or cabaret, as in this photo which features two members of the Dazzle Troupe, a company staging burlesque shows that pokes fun at Maltese society. The 'dame' in the Christmas pantomime is an annual crowd-puller, However, men dressed as women are also to be seen in the streets in Carnival celebrations, particularly in certain town or village carnivals such as Nadur. In the past, only men participated in this Carnival, which was nicknamed: 'The Devil's feast'. Grotesque deformations of women's bodies, including pregnant 'women', under more or less scant female garb are still a common feature, and sex was one of the characteristic themes of Nadur's now-disappearing improvised float s. In Xaghra, men still dance the 'Kummittiva', the only real surviving series of Maltese folk dances, which is danced in pairs, with half the men dressed as women.