The Global Networking of Irish Eurovision Fans
In Ireland, where homosexuality was decriminalised as late as 1993, Eurovision fandom previously served for many as a closet, and a secret code for being gay. By coming out in thelr love of Eurovision, gay men came into a gay family through the shared discourse of camp. This research is grounded in fieldwork conducted from 2005-2007, including interviews with Irish Eurovision fans across several generations. It notes how the changing practices of Eurovision fandom – and of the Contest itself – have allowed fans to literally become ‘part of the show’. This presentation will also offer thoughts and provocations towards future directions for theatre and performance studies research on the ESC.
Professor Brian Singleton is head of the School of Drama, Trinity College Dublin. He is President of the International Federation for Theatre Research and former editor of Theatre Research International (Cambridge University Press). He is co-editor (with Janelle Reinelt) of the book series “Studies in International Performance”, published by Palgrave/Macmillan, and is the author of several volumes and edited collections.