Denise Larson is an American author known for her work in feminist theatre and memoirs. She gained recognition for her book Anarchy in High Heels (2021), which chronicles her journey in the San Francisco counterculture theatre scene of the 1970s. The book highlights her founding of Les Nickelettes, a feminist theatre company, and her exploration of satirical performance art.
Denise Larson was born and raised in California. She attended elementary school in Torrance and high school in Manteca. Larson later moved to San Francisco and earned a BA in Theatre from San Francisco State University.
In the 1970s, she became deeply involved in the experimental theatre culture of the Bay Area. Inspired by the countercultural atmosphere, she founded Les Nickelettes, a feminist troupe that performed satirical sketches, stunts and musical comedy.
Reflecting on the formation of Les Nickelettes, Larson explained: "Most men's greatest fear is women ridiculing their patriarchy. Maybe that's why men said women weren't funny. This ethos drove the group's performances, challenging traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures. Under her leadership, the troupe quickly gained attention for its bold and unfiltered style of humour. The Bay Guardian described them as "crazy, messy, garish, trashy and very funny".
Larson served Les Nickelettes for thirteen years as a playwright, director, and producer. Her commitment to the troupe demonstrated her dedication to creating a space where women could express themselves freely and humorously. Larson believes that comedy and satire are powerful tools for change.
Despite her success with Les Nickelettes, Larson decided to step away from the theatre in the 1980s to focus on her family and a new career. She moved into early childhood education, becoming a teacher and working in the field for two decades. Her work in this field influenced her perspective on play and its importance.
She remarked, "It was a struggle to convince parents of very young children of the value and educational benefits of play".
After retiring from teaching, Larson returned to her roots in theatre and writing. She began work on her memoir, Anarchy in High Heels, which chronicles the rise and impact of Les Nickelettes on the San Francisco feminist performance scene.
Denise Larson continues to live in San Francisco, where she collaborates with fellow performers in the Cosmic Elders Theatre Ensemble, a new project focused on bringing theatre stories to life through an intergenerational lens.
Photo credit: anarchyinhighheels.com
Denise Larson was born and raised in California. She attended elementary school in Torrance and high school in Manteca. Larson later moved to San Francisco and earned a BA in Theatre from San Francisco State University.
In the 1970s, she became deeply involved in the experimental theatre culture of the Bay Area. Inspired by the countercultural atmosphere, she founded Les Nickelettes, a feminist troupe that performed satirical sketches, stunts and musical comedy.
Reflecting on the formation of Les Nickelettes, Larson explained: "Most men's greatest fear is women ridiculing their patriarchy. Maybe that's why men said women weren't funny. This ethos drove the group's performances, challenging traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures. Under her leadership, the troupe quickly gained attention for its bold and unfiltered style of humour. The Bay Guardian described them as "crazy, messy, garish, trashy and very funny".
Larson served Les Nickelettes for thirteen years as a playwright, director, and producer. Her commitment to the troupe demonstrated her dedication to creating a space where women could express themselves freely and humorously. Larson believes that comedy and satire are powerful tools for change.
Despite her success with Les Nickelettes, Larson decided to step away from the theatre in the 1980s to focus on her family and a new career. She moved into early childhood education, becoming a teacher and working in the field for two decades. Her work in this field influenced her perspective on play and its importance.
She remarked, "It was a struggle to convince parents of very young children of the value and educational benefits of play".
After retiring from teaching, Larson returned to her roots in theatre and writing. She began work on her memoir, Anarchy in High Heels, which chronicles the rise and impact of Les Nickelettes on the San Francisco feminist performance scene.
Denise Larson continues to live in San Francisco, where she collaborates with fellow performers in the Cosmic Elders Theatre Ensemble, a new project focused on bringing theatre stories to life through an intergenerational lens.
Photo credit: anarchyinhighheels.com
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