Release Year: 2006
Synopsis:
In February 2004, a groundbreaking moment occurred in the world of theatre and activism: the first all-transgender performance of The Vagina Monologues. This production, a collaboration between celebrated playwright Eve Ensler, actress and activist Jane Fonda, and members of Deep Stealth Productions, marked an important milestone in the transgender community’s long and often marginalized history. The production included a new monologue penned by Ensler that reflected the unique experiences of transgender women, as well as a star-studded cast of trans women from across America. Many of these women had been living in “stealth,” concealing their identities in order to protect themselves from discrimination or harm, and chose this moment as their declaration of identity—a public coming out at one of the most iconic and culturally significant events for women.
Beautiful Daughters (2006), a documentary directed by Josh Aronson, chronicles the powerful journey behind this historic event. It dives deep into the creative process, from the early interviews with trans women that inspired Ensler’s new monologue, to the weeks of auditions, rehearsals, and dress preparations. The film captures the tension and excitement leading up to the big night, as well as the significance of the performance itself, both as an artistic endeavor and as a political statement. In doing so, Beautiful Daughters gives audiences an intimate glimpse into the lives of the performers and the cultural moment that led to this unforgettable show.
