Thursday, January 21, 2021
Broken Nose passes the Bechdel Test | Theater Preview
Chicago Reader: Alison Bechdel’s iconic eponymous Bechdel Test isn't the same exam it was when the award-winning graphic writer (Fun Home, Dykes to Watch Out For) created it back in ye olden 1985. A quick refresher if you've been under a rock since then or are still entrenched in the patriarchy: In order to pass the Bechdel Test, stories—be they on stage, page, or screen—have to include at least two female characters. And those two women have to talk at least once about something other than men. Extra credit: The women have names.
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Right off the bat, I was surprised with this article. I read Fun Home in high school English a few years ago. I have been referencing the Bechdel Test for much longer, and even though I knew that Alison Bechdel authored Fun Home, I had no idea she was the source of the Bechdel Test. I always assumed it was some psychologist. I also did not know that it was only extra credit for the women in the test to have names. I am not surprised that mainstream media today is still relatively unsuccessful with passing this test. I try to check myself with my friends when we are too quick to involve men in or center our conversations about men and relationships. I am intrigued by the Bechdel Fest’s virtual line up and will have to check it out. I like how JD Caudill used the term decentering men to describe the test and “going green” sounds like an excellent piece. I also like the idea of Broken Nose. It sounds truthful and real. I had not heard of this festival and am looking forward to seeing it play out this season and beyond.
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