Performing Nordic White Femininity : Two Swedish Divas in the U.S. in the Nineteenth Century

• This study is an intersectional investigation of how the first two international Swedish superstars, Jenny Lind (1820–1887) and Christina Nilsson (1843–1921), performed gender, race, nationalism, and class during their respective tours of the United States of America in 1850–1852 and 1870–1872. The purpose is to chart early transatlantic performances of Nordic white femininity and Swedishness as well as to discuss the symbolical values and associations that it signaled. I will argue that Lind and Nilsson set out a template of idealized Nordic white femininity in the U.S. and that they contributed to the growing identity and self-awareness of Swedish-Americans.

Subject headings

HUMANIORA  -- Annan humaniora -- Kulturstudier (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Other Humanities -- Cultural Studies (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Diva

nordic white femininity

performances of Swedishness

race

class

critical whiteness theories

nineteenth century

touring the U.S.

Jenny Lind

Christina Nilsson

Theatre Studies

teatervetenskap

genusvetenskap

Gender Studies

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)