Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Berta Beeson
Maker
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
(American, 1867 – 1960)
Datecirca 1925
CultureAmerican
MediumInk on paper
ClassificationPosters
Credit LineTibbals Circus Collection
Object numberht2001443
If it was exciting to watch a man risk his life performing daring acts, it was doubly exciting to watch what at the time was deemed “the weaker sex” performer the same. High wire performer Berta Beeson capitalized on this idea. Around the circus lot, Beeson was better known as “Slats” or Herbert. Beeson chose to dance on the wire in women’s clothing, although there is no evidence that this drag persona existed outside of the big top. Unlike some earlier performers who opted to reveal the truth about their gender at the end of the act, Beeson remained in character and all advertising capitalized on his feminine image.
On View
Not on view
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
no date
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
1920
