Oh, Mary! star Dino Fetscher on queer joy and disability

A new play, Oh Mary!, is generating buzz for its unconventional and deliberately inaccurate portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, in the weeks leading up to her husband’s assassination. The comedy is described as “rambunctious, ridiculous, audacious and very clever” by actor Dino Fetscher.

A Queer Take on History

While not explicitly a historical account, Oh Mary! is notable for its significant LGBTQ+ representation both on stage and behind the scenes. Mason Alexander Park, who portrays Mary, is trans, as is Kate O’Donnell, who plays Mary’s chaperone. Fetscher identifies as gay, and another actor, Giles, is queer. This diverse casting, Fetscher argues, is itself a powerful statement.

Did You Know? The play reimagines Abraham Lincoln as a closeted man.

Fetscher believes the very success of the production—its “magnitude”—functions as a form of protest, highlighting the visibility of queer individuals in a prominent artistic space. This visibility is particularly poignant given what Fetscher describes as a “regressive political environment” for trans people.

Joy as Resistance

The play’s humor and visibility are seen as a counter to the overwhelming negativity often encountered on social media, which Fetscher links to tactics of “fascism” designed to induce apathy. He suggests that “protecting your personal joy” is a powerful act of resistance in the face of adversity. Fetscher’s own biggest dream growing up was to be an actor, a passion he still feels strongly today.

Influences and Activism

Fetscher credits his mother, who is disabled, as his biggest influence. Despite facing societal limitations, she has consistently defied expectations, travelling extensively and pursuing her passions. This experience has shaped Fetscher’s perspective on the barriers faced by disabled people, which he describes as “abhorrent.” He advocates for greater visibility and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, asserting they are “just as able as everybody else.”

Expert Insight: The play’s deliberate historical inaccuracy, coupled with its celebration of queer identity, suggests a broader trend of reclaiming narratives and challenging traditional representations of historical figures. This approach allows for exploration of themes and perspectives often marginalized in mainstream historical accounts.

Fetscher recalls the Iraq War and the rhetoric surrounding “weapons of mass destruction” as the first political issue he remembers questioning, fostering a distrust of government. He identifies the current state of the world as his “big issue,” citing concerns about political events in the United States and the treatment of individuals like Renee Nicole Good.

A Radical Idea

When asked for a solution to global problems, Fetscher proposes limiting the amount of wealth any individual can accumulate to £999 million, believing that excessive wealth is “unnecessary and hugely damaging to the entire planet.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central premise of Oh Mary!?

The play is a comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln in the events leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, but it is “entirely historically inaccurate.”

How does the play address LGBTQ+ issues?

The play features a predominantly queer cast, including trans actors in leading roles, and is described as a celebration of queer identity.

What does Dino Fetscher consider a form of protest?

Fetscher believes that protecting one’s personal joy and spark is a strong form of protest, particularly in the face of adversity and negative messaging.

Given the play’s unconventional approach to history and its embrace of queer representation, what impact might it have on future theatrical productions and historical narratives?