In 1919, a Navy official in Newport, Ervin Arnold, uncovered a scandal involving sailors engaging in homosexual activities. This led to military trials and imprisonment for some involved. This scandal inspired a new musical documentary, “Scandalous Conduct, a Fairy Extravaganza,” by Matthew Lawrence and Jason Tranchida. The co-creators were drawn to the drama and personalities involved in the scandal, which was not well-known in local gay and queer history. The project, presented as a three-channel video with a soundtrack, includes reports from the Navy’s investigation and music from a Navy-produced musical vaudeville.
The inspiration for the project came from the lively entertainment scene the Navy used in the early 1900s to boost recruitment, including a drag queen-style musical called “Jack and the Beanstalk,” which featured male sailors playing all characters. The production is presented at the Great Friends Meeting House in Newport, creating a captivating experience for viewers. Lawrence and Tranchida have delved into archival materials to bring to life the forgotten history of the scandal in a visually engaging and thought-provoking way. “Scandalous Conduct: A Fairy Extravaganza” is open to the public for viewing until October 6th, with the artists also hosting an evening talk on the project. This unique musical documentary sheds light on a little-known chapter of local history, blending history, entertainment, and performance art for an immersive experience.
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Photo credit thepublicsradio.org