Growing Up Suite I excerpt

Clad in mid-century lingerie reminiscent of architecture as much as erotica, Dempsey recounts the mysteries, discomforts and delights found in the taboo subject of childhood sexuality. These stories tell tales of growing up lesbian: the allure of sleepovers; the frisson of “unmentionables” in the Eaton’s catalogue; the uncertain world from ages five to fifteen, marked by equal parts wonder and confusion.

Growing Up Suites I and II explore the lesbian body as a site of both pleasure and difference. Lesbianism, defined by desire for other women, creates the label “homosexual”. At the same time, fear of so-called social deviance is played out on queer individuals in a variety of subtle and not-so-subtle ways, from isolation to censorship to violence.

Duration: 10 minutes each

Part I first performed: March 1994, Le Lion D’Or, Montréal, Québec, with Cheour Maha

Part II first performed: October 1994, Rumours bar, Halifax, Nova Scotia

For more information about Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan, see shawnadempseyandlorrimillan.net. For distribution information, contact [email protected].