The Bechdel Test is a test created by cartoonist Alison Bechdel which is usually applied to movies. The test has the following criteria
There must be two women in the movie.
They must talk to each other.
And they must talk about something other than a man.
Seems pretty easy, right? Surprisingly very few movies pass this test. It's thought of as a bare minimum for gender equality in movies yet it seems like an impossible task for many filmmakers.
Although the Bechdel Test is usually applied to movies, I thought I would put some musicals and plays to the test! Here are some shows that passed the Bechdel Test.
1. Fun Home
Let's start with an obvious one. Fun Home tells the life story of Alison Bechdel, the namesake of the Bechdel Tes. From Alison asking her mother if Chopin wrote Chop Sticks to Alison telling Joan about a particularly revolutionary trip to the bookstore, there are plenty of examples in this show that bring it up to snuff. Fun Home is a story about family and self-discovery. It follows the life of Alison Bechdel from childhood to adulthood and her journey accepting her sexuality.
2. The Beauty Queen of Leenane
This play by Martin McDonagh tells the story of an elderly mother and her adult daughter living in a small town in Ireland. The two have a very messy relationship filled with resentment, betrayal and violence. It explores dependency and the fine line between loving and loathing. This play passes the Bechdel Test on many fronts, as the mother-daughter duo, Mag and Maureen discuss everything from lumpy Complan to whether or not the Irish people should speak English.
3. Heathers: The Musical
This musical version of the classic '80s movie tells the story of loser Veronica Sawyer who weasels her way in with the most popular girls in school: the Heathers. While Veronica's relationship with the dark and mysterious JD often takes center stage, there are definitely moments in the show that check all the boxes for the Bechdel Test. For example, Candy Store mentions boys a couple times but the majority of the song is just the Heathers telling Veronica what she has to gain if she does their bidding.
4. Henry V
Surprisingly enough, this classic Shakespearean History passes the Bechdel Test. Although nearly the entire show involves interactions strictly between men. During the comic relief French Lesson scene (Act 3, Scene 4) Alice teaches Katherine how to speak French and there is no mention of men whatsoever.
5. Mean Girls: The Musical
This popular movie is now a Broadway Musical! The show is so new the entire cast album has yet to be released but the two songs we have heard so far "I'd Rather Be Me" and "Apex Predator" don't mention men at all, and barely mention men, respectively. And between Cady, Janis and the Plastics, there are plenty of female characters to talk to each other. Plus the book for this show is by Tina Fey! Even more girl power!
6. She Kills Monsters
This play by Qui Nuygen brings popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons to life onstage. With female characters outnumbering male 6 to 3, it is easy to see how this play passes the Bechdel Test. She Kills Monsters is full of action and sentiment. It deals with issues of friendship, sibling relationships, and grief.
7. Wicked
Wicked tells the origin of the stories of all the witches in The Wizard of Oz and puts a unique twist on the story we all are familiar with. With two strong female leads, Elphaba and Glinda, this show passes the Bechdel Test with flying colors. Examples of songs that check all the boxes are "What Is This Feeling?" and "For Good"
