Lois and Peggy: A Documentary

We’re Claire Nolan and Matt Delbridge, we’ve been working for years making our first feature length documentary on our dearest friends and beloved teachers and collaborators Lois Weaver and Peggy Shaw. The film is ready for a final edit and post production - we need some support to get this beautiful story over the line and to the widest possible audience

We began making the film in 2018, shooting in Upstate New York and in Minneapolis while touring with Lois and Peggy to the Guthrie Theatre. We’re collaborating across the UK (Claire), Australia (Matt) and the USA. So far, we’ve raised nearly AUS$40,000 (US$26,000; GB£ 21,000) through support from friends and contacts at universities and theatres including the Guthrie, Queen Mary University of London and Melbourne University, as well as an ongoing Go Fund Me initiative. As a team we’ve been collaborating across continents and we're basing the fundraiser out of Australia - as a team we live across the UK, Australia and the USA. We really started to gain traction on the project in late 2019 and then Covid hit - as we battled through the next two years separated in our various homes the documentary kept bubbling along and Lois and Peggy made a beautiful new work while locked down in London. For Claire Nolan (Director) it was the perfect time to take a deep dive into Split Britches extensive archive of work and draw out some stellar footage. After a recent shoot in NYC in April 2024 we now find ourselves with a rough cut completed, and are poised to (finally) enter the final edit, post-production and distribution.

Why We Love Split Britches

Few entities have made as profound an impact as Split Britches in Queer Performance. For over four decades, this trailblazing company has pushed boundaries, defied conventions, and built a unique and profound theatre aesthetic. Lois and Peggy aims to capture the essence of their groundbreaking work and explore the indelible mark they’ve left on society. The film is a meditation on art and love, and the interface of the two, featuring archival performance footage, observational scenes and candid in-depth audio interviews with Lois and Peggy.

Your support is crucial for finishing the film and importantly sharing Lois and Peggy’s story with a global audience- it not only celebrates the groundbreaking legac(ies) of Split Britches, but also shares a touching love story that has been integral to their artistic and activist legacy.

Lois and Peggy takes audiences on an intimate journey through the storied careers and private lives of Lois Weaver and Peggy Shaw, the visionary founders of Split Britches. Through behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews, and a deep dive into their most influential performances, we’ll uncover how Split Britches has transformed discussions around gender, identity, and the role of performance in political activism. Throughout this journey we also uncover the real love story behind their life’s work - a universal tale of support, trial and tribulation. Shot on location in both Upstate New York and New York City Lois and Peggy reveals the essential domestic side of this iconic performance duo, making us (re) fall in love with them all over again.

Why This Matters

This documentary will serve as an essential record of Split Britches' contributions to art and society. Their work has inspired countless artists and activists, making this a story not just about performance, but about the broader cultural shifts they have catalyzed. By showcasing their innovative approach and unflinching exploration of taboo subjects, this documentary will inspire a new generation of artists and activists to continue pushing boundaries.

And…

Queer Love Stories Are Important

Sharing Queer love stories provides crucial representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ Community. For many, seeing these experiences reflected in media validates identity and emotion, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. Furthering the existing canon of Lois and Peggy’s work we seek to break down stereotypes, challenge prejudices, and combat invisibility, which is particularly important in creating inclusive environments where diverse love stories can flourish. Lois and Peggy showcases the depth, complexity, and universality of love. Our goal is to make a lasting contribution to the cultural and historical legacy of LGBTQ+ communities - to capture and preserve the experiences of love and relationships within a context that has often been marginalized or erased from history. Queer love stories allow people to see themselves in stories that reflect their own experiences and emotions. Our documentary exposes a range of dynamics that might not fit within conventional narratives, broadening our understanding of what love can be. By doing so we actively promote a more inclusive and flexible view of relationships, encouraging audiences to think beyond rigid societal expectations. LGBTQ+ experiences are an integral part of the human experience.

Team Bios

Claire Nolan - Director and Co-Producer

Claire Nolan is a distinguished filmmaker based in the UK, known for compelling narratives and innovative approaches to storytelling. With over a decade of experience Claire has built a reputation for her work on socially conscious and artistically driven video. Often working from conception; shooting video, recording sound, editing, mixing and grading independently. Drawn to projects that cover themes of social justice and intersectionality, she has many long-standing collaborative working relationships with artists and institutions. Claire has been making conceptual trailers for performers, video design for live shows, promotional videos and documentation in the performance sector, working closely and collaboratively with emerging and established artists. This will be her first feature documentary, having been a student of Lois Weaver back in 2008 and developing a long term personal and working relationship with Split Britches since, this film comes from a place of love and a want to celebrate Lois and Peggy’s legacy as artists and as human beings. Her passion for performance art and commitment to capturing marginalized voices aligns perfectly with the project. Claire's leadership brings a nuanced perspective and a high level of artistic integrity, contributing to a documentary that is both engaging and impactful. Being from the school of Lois Weaver, Claire is trained to work with what you’ve got, although she’d much prefer a crew to do it all for her in the future.

Matt Delbridge - Producer

Matt Delbridge is an award-winning producer with over 15 years of experience in the arts. His work is known for its innovative storytelling and deep engagement with contemporary social issues. Matt's passion for the arts and commitment to social justice are evident in his projects, which often highlight the intersections of performance, identity, and activism. He first started working with Split Britches in 2009 and has been involved in numerous cultural and educational initiatives aimed at promoting artistic expression and social change. With his extensive background and deep appreciation for the legacy of Split Britches, Matt is uniquely positioned to bring the story of Lois Weaver and Peggy Shaw to a global audience. His commitment to the project reflects his dedication to preserving and celebrating the transformative impact of performance art and the limitless power of love.

Vivian Stoll - Composer

Vivian Stoll is a highly regarded composer known for her evocative and boundary-pushing music that enhances the emotional and thematic depth of film and theater. With over 40 years in the industry, Vivian has composed scores for a variety of projects, including several projects with Split Britches. Vivian's compositions are celebrated for their ability to blend traditional and experimental elements, creating soundscapes that resonate deeply with audiences. Her approach to music is deeply collaborative, and she has worked closely with directors and performers to craft scores that are both integral to the storytelling and innovative in their sound. Vivian brings her unique musical voice to the project, creating a score that underscores (pardon the pun) the humour and emotional depths of the documentary.

Lois Weaver

Lois Weaver is a pioneering performer, director, and activist, renowned for her role as one half of the groundbreaking performance art company Split Britches. With a career spanning over four decades, Lois has been instrumental in reshaping the boundaries of theater and performance. Her work challenges traditional norms and explores themes of gender, sexuality, and identity with wit, intelligence, and profound insight. Her contributions to Split Britches, alongside Peggy Shaw, have been celebrated for their innovative approaches - provoking thought and inspiring dialogue. Beyond her work with Split Britches, Lois has also been involved in numerous projects aimed at advancing LGBTQ+ rights and fostering inclusive artistic spaces. Lois' influence extends beyond performance art; she has been a mentor and advocate for emerging artists and has played a significant role in fostering new dialogues around art and activism in educational environments. Lois' insights and retold experiences provide invaluable depth to the project offering audiences a personal connection to the transformative impact of their work.

Peggy Shaw

Peggy Shaw is a trailblazing performer, writer, and activist whose work has profoundly influenced the world of theater and performance art. Co-founder of Split Britches, Peggy Shaw has been a central figure in redefining the boundaries of performance with her innovative explorations of gender, identity, and social issues. Her powerful performances and writings have challenged conventional norms and offered new perspectives on marginalized experiences. Peggy's career is marked by her fearless approach to addressing topics such as aging, disability, and LGBTQ+ issues through performance. Her contributions to Split Britches have been instrumental in pushing the envelope of what theater can achieve, combining humor, poignancy, and political commentary in ways that resonate deeply with audiences.In addition to her work with Split Britches, Peggy Shaw has been a dedicated educator and mentor, helping to shape the next generation of artists and activists. Her contributions to theater have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, reflecting her lasting impact on the field. Peggy direct involvement in the project offers invaluable first-hand insights into the creation and evolution of Split Britches and the broader legacy of their work.

Getting it out there

Our plan is to commence conversations with the right distributors and continue to seek the advice of more experienced film makers. We believe the best way to raise awareness of the project is to aim for screenings at some of the top international queer film festivals. Our final goal is to ensure the work is seen by the widest possible audience but in the first instance seek to premiere the work at one of the below:

Outfest (Los Angeles, USA)

Frameline (San Francisco, USA)

Tampere Film Festival (Tampere, Finland)

Queer Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal)

BFI Flare (London, UK)

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Film Festival (Sydney, Australia)

Melbourne Queer Film Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

Queer Film Festival (Queer Film Festival, Berlin, Germany)

Out on Film (Atlanta, USA)

L.A. Outfest Fusion (Los Angeles, USA)

If anyone has any extra thoughts and ideas about festivals they believe the project could fit in well with please get in touch!

Funds Sought - Budget Breakdown

Now that we've finally made it to this stage of the production we are seeking significant investment to ensure the film is the best it can be. We have some licensing hurdles to encounter, we need to be in the same physical space as part of the process and are wrangling archival footage across formats (and quality) - of course all of this takes significant time and resources, but we believe it can be achieved with the below -

Post-Production and Editing: AUS$40,000 (US$26,000; GB£21,000)

Distribution and Marketing: AUS$30,000 (US$19,500; GB£15,500)

Contingency and Miscellaneous: AUS$10,000 (US$6,500; GB£5,000)

Total Funding Aim: AUS$80,000 (US$52,000; GB£41,500)

*any funds raised above this target will be re-invested into the films distribution

Lois and Peggy is more than just a documentary; it’s a celebration of innovation, a tribute to the power of performance, and a call to continue challenging the status quo. Your investment will not only help bring this important story to light but also align you with a transformative project that will resonate with audiences and contribute to meaningful cultural discourse for decades to come. Join us in preserving the revolution, inspiring future generations, and celebrating the enduring power of love.

With love and thank you for your consideration xx