A Stagey Look at Abraham Lincoln’s Gay Affair: Revelatory Theatre Meets Cinematic Exploration
The Play Within a Play
The theatrical essence of “Lavender Men” pulsates at its core, as we are drawn into a small theater staging a tentatively ambitious play about Abraham Lincoln. Yet, as the curtain falls on this earnest endeavor—one that has attracted only a handful of audience members—the true magic of the film, co-written by Lovell Holder and Roger Q. Mason, begins to unfold. Described as a “fantasia”, this work examines Lincoln’s long-rumored homosexual affair, intertwining ambition with a somewhat cluttered narrative.
Taffeta’s Vision: A Queer Reimagining
Originating from a stage play, “Lavender Men” features Taffeta, a self-described Black, Filipinx, queer, plus-size character, who brings a unique perspective to the narrative. The film serves as a revisionist take on Lincoln, challenging the sanitized version perpetuated through traditional education. It cleverly integrates the theater’s physicality and the haunting sound of a single bullet—a poignant reference to that fateful night at Ford’s Theatre.
As the tale progresses, Taffeta orchestrates a surreal reworking of Lincoln’s relationship with Elmer Ellsworth, the first casualty of the Civil War. Mason aims to intertwine the legacies of both men, allowing them to experience a life that has been largely erased from history.
The Power of the Theater
Immersed in Taffeta’s "fantasia," reminiscent of Tony Kushner’s “Angels in America,” the film seeks to celebrate the theater’s transformative power. Taffeta embarks on a journey through a series of self-referential moments, making wry observations about contemporary revisionism in a world that encourages such explorations.
As Taffeta’s unrequited love for a handsome actor playing Elmer unfolds, we find ourselves privy to their thoughts and feelings—a reflection of the romantic frustrations against the backdrop of a historical narrative.
Unpacking Taffeta’s Journey
As Taffeta manipulates the narrative to delve into Abe and Elmer’s clandestine romance, they expand their own storytelling beyond the constraints of reality. Taffeta serves as narrator, character, audience, and actor—a multi-faceted embodiment of the possibilities within history. This exploration raises critical questions about visibility and representation, asking why Taffeta invests so deeply in Lincoln’s romantic endeavors.
The film challenges us to consider Taffeta’s motivations for inserting themselves into this historical narrative. By playing multiple roles—ranging from Mary Todd Lincoln to a chandelier—Taffeta grapples with their own insecurities, reflecting on the harsh realities of navigating a world often hostile to those who do not fit conventional molds.
A Blurred Line Between Reality and Fiction
Mason’s endeavor resonates with the works of numerous playwrights, such as Tom Stoppard and Suzan-Lori Parks, who use the stage to reappraise history. However, the transition from stage to screen presents challenges; the literalism of the film medium sometimes blunts the impact of Taffeta’s vision. The differences in storytelling techniques reveal how the stage’s fluidity can enhance a narrative that a screen might confine.
A Call for Recognition
Despite its flaws—claustrophobic cinematography and listless pacing—“Lavender Men” offers a timely exploration of Lincoln’s complex identity, drawing connections between past and present. The film demands recognition alongside related works like Shaun Peterson’s documentary “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” and Cole Escola’s Tony-winning play, “Oh, Mary!” Together, they represent a vital movement in queer historiography, striving to reframe the narrative of one of America’s most iconic presidents.
Final Thoughts
“Lavender Men” emerges as a thought-provoking experience, inviting audiences to question conventions around historical narratives and representations of identity. With its ambitious blend of history and imagination, the film stands as a testament to the enduring power of the theater and the vital role of queer voices in shaping our understanding of the past.
Engage with this cinematic exploration of identity and history, as “Lavender Men” paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
