No. 81: Drew Barr - ActOut Theatre Group/Casa Valentina
release date: July 7, 2026
release date: July 7, 2026
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Drew Barr, director of ActOut Theatre Groups latest production Casa Valentina, a play based on the true story that delves into the lives of a little-known community of heterosexual crossdressers in the 1950s and 60s, talks about this production and why it still relevant today.
Casa Valentina, written by Harvey Fierstein, is set in a resort located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, a refuge where individuals could explore and express their identities away from societal norms. During a time when overt expression of gender identity was not only frowned upon but often illegal, this sanctuary provided a rare opportunity for crossdressers to gather and celebrate who they were. The play draws inspiration from real-life events; it was birthed from a discovery of photographs found at a flea market, revealing a community that had been largely forgotten by history.
This unique setting not only serves as the backdrop for the play but also highlights the importance of safe spaces for self-expression. Drew Barr, the director, emphasizes how the play continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. The characters in Casa Valentina mirror the struggles and joys of individuals seeking acceptance and understanding in a world that often marginalizes or ridicules them.
Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36286/production/1275590
Casa Valentina, written by Harvey Fierstein, is set in a resort located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, a refuge where individuals could explore and express their identities away from societal norms. During a time when overt expression of gender identity was not only frowned upon but often illegal, this sanctuary provided a rare opportunity for crossdressers to gather and celebrate who they were. The play draws inspiration from real-life events; it was birthed from a discovery of photographs found at a flea market, revealing a community that had been largely forgotten by history.
This unique setting not only serves as the backdrop for the play but also highlights the importance of safe spaces for self-expression. Drew Barr, the director, emphasizes how the play continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. The characters in Casa Valentina mirror the struggles and joys of individuals seeking acceptance and understanding in a world that often marginalizes or ridicules them.
Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36286/production/1275590
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