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Dylan Mulvaney Joins SIX on Broadway, Igniting a Firestorm Over Trans Representation
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the theatre world, TikTok sensation and transgender advocate Dylan Mulvaney has been cast as Anne Boleyn in the Broadway production of SIX: The Musical. The announcement, made earlier this month, has sparked both celebration and a fierce backlash, reigniting the debate over trans representation in the performing arts.
The Casting Announcement: A Double-Edged Sword
Mulvaney, known for her viral TikTok series documenting her transition and her advocacy for transgender rights, took to Instagram to share the exciting news. "YAY BROADWAY," she wrote alongside a photo of herself in costume. "So happy my bway debut is playing a fellow polarizing woman in this perfect musical next month. I hope you will all come watch me live my dream. I am SO HAPPY I CAN’T STOP SMILING."
Her co-star in the production is none other than Abigail Barlow, the internet sensation who gained fame for her unofficial Bridgerton musical. Barlow will be playing Katherine Howard, another of Henry VIII's wives. The casting of two internet-famous artists has only added fuel to the fire, with critics seizing on the opportunity to attack the production.
SIX: A Modern Take on Historical Figures
For those unfamiliar, SIX is a Tony-winning musical that reimagines the lives of Henry VIII's six wives as modern pop stars. Each queen is inspired by contemporary icons like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Dua Lipa, creating a vibrant and feminist retelling of history. The show has been a global phenomenon, celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling and its empowering message.
The decision to cast Mulvaney as Anne Boleyn, a historical figure whose life was tragically cut short due to the patriarchy, has been framed by the show's creators as a perfect fit. Anne Boleyn, like Mulvaney, faced intense scrutiny and was ultimately punished for challenging the status quo.
The Backlash: Transphobia or Artistic Disagreement?
Unsurprisingly, the casting announcement has been met with a wave of criticism, primarily from right-wing and so-called "gender-critical" accounts on X (formerly Twitter). These critics have branded the casting "woke" and have launched a campaign against the production, arguing that the role of Anne Boleyn should have gone to a cisgender woman.
Some comments have been outright transphobic, questioning Mulvaney's place in the story and even attacking her personal appearance. The show's official X account was forced to go private following the onslaught of abuse, a stark reminder of the toxicity that often accompanies discussions of trans representation.
A History of Controversy
This isn't the first time SIX has found itself at the center of a controversy. The show has faced criticism in the past for its historical inaccuracies and for its portrayal of the queens as pop stars. However, the latest backlash is uniquely focused on the issue of trans representation, highlighting the deep divisions that still exist in our society.
Defending the Casting: Theatre as a Space for Everyone
Despite the backlash, the theatre community has largely rallied behind Mulvaney and the production. Many have pointed out that theatre, by its very nature, is a space for transformation and imagination. The ability of an actor to step into the shoes of someone else, regardless of gender or background, is at the heart of the art form.
"Theatre, at its core, is about transformation, imagination, and empathy — and anyone who truly loves it knows there’s no room in the stalls for bigotry," wrote Fleurine Tideman in Glamour UK. Tideman, a self-proclaimed theatre enthusiast, argued that the backlash is evidence of a larger problem: the persistence of transphobia in our society.
Mulvaney's Credentials
Mulvaney is no stranger to the stage. She previously appeared in the national tour of The Book of Mormon and starred in her one-woman Off-Broadway show, The Least Problematic Woman in the World. Her casting in SIX is a testament to her talent and her growing profile in the entertainment industry.
"Which is to say: this casting didn’t come out of nowhere — and no, I do not mind in the slightest, because Mulvaney is undeniably talented," Tideman added. This sentiment has been echoed by many in the theatre community, who see Mulvaney's casting as a natural evolution of the industry towards greater inclusivity.
The Future of Trans Representation in Theatre
The controversy surrounding Dylan Mulvaney's casting in SIX is just the latest chapter in a larger story about the future of trans representation in theatre. As the industry continues to grapple with questions of diversity and inclusion, this casting serves as a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done.
For many, Mulvaney's role as Anne Boleyn is a symbol of hope, a sign that the theatre is finally beginning to reflect the diversity of the world we live in. For others, it is a threat, a challenge to the traditional norms that have long defined the art form.
A Call to Action
As the debate continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the conversation about trans representation in theatre is far from over. The casting of Dylan Mulvaney in SIX has sparked a national discussion, and it is a discussion that we all need to be a part of.
Whether you are a theatre lover, a critic, or simply someone who believes in the power of art to transform society, this is your moment to speak up. Let your voice be heard, and let's work together to create a future where everyone has a place on the stage.
