Performing Difference: Gender in the 1980s Downtown Scene

In conjunction with the exhibition Club 57: Film, Performance, and Art in the East Village 1978–1983, this symposium explores the history and legacy of gender expression and performance in 1980s New York City. During this period of fluid experimentation, Club 57 was one in a constellation of post-punk social clubs, artist collectives, and galleries united by an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to artistic production. The symposium will include screenings, panel discussions, audience dialogue, and a reception. Moderators, including writer, curator, and archivist Sur Rodney (Sur), performance artist and scholar Holly Hughes, and curator Travis Chamberlain, will be joined by performers, theater artists, and veterans of the Downtown scene to consider this crucial moment in the evolution of gender culture and its relevance today. Attendees are encouraged to come early to see the exhibition, an open screening of Diane Torr’s documentary Man for a Day, and a performance of Gender Fuck by Bradley Wester. Featured speakers include Moe Angelos, Jordan Arseneault, Brian Butterick aka Hattie Hathaway, Travis Chamberlain, Peter Cramer, Reina Gossett, Erin Markey, Carmelita Tropicana, Martha Wilson, Jack Waters and Peter Cramer, and Rafael Sánchez. Subscribe for our latest videos, and invitations to live events: Explore our collection online: Plan your visit in-person: The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.  #art #museumofmodernart #moma #museum #modernart #club57