RESEARCH + RESOURCES

The influence of harem culture on Swallows

Swallows is entirely fictional and not a direct portrayal of any real individuals, but it does explore similar power dynamics that have appeared throughout entertainment history. Like many broken and narcissistic men before him, Brodie attempts to recapture relevance by surrounding himself with women in relationships that blur professional and personal boundaries. This character archetype connects to a disturbing pattern seen with figures like Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion, Charles Manson's "Family," and R. Kelly's felonious control and manipulation of women, men who cultivated environments where they exerted influence over groups of women, often under the guise of artistic or spiritual mentorship. "Swallows" examines these dynamics critically, exploring how former fame, industry connections, and promises of career advancement can be leveraged in potentially exploitative ways, while also showing the complex reasons women might remain in such arrangements. Through Brodie's delusions and the women's varying perspectives, the play offers a nuanced look at power, consent, and the aftermath of childhood fame.

What is ‘harem culture,’ anyway?

Harem culture is a social structure in which women are secluded in a domestic space, often in patriarchal societies. The practice of harems was common in many societies, including Islamic, Aztec, and Chinese cultures.

Characteristics

Polygamy: Harems often practiced polygamy, where a man had multiple wives.
Patriarchy: Harems were often found in male-dominated societies where women were considered second-class citizens.
Misogyny: Harems were often part of societies that were misogynistic.
Seclusion: Women in harems were secluded from men and often had separate living quarters.

Modern Relevance:

While the practice of maintaining harems in the traditional sense has largely declined, the seclusion of women and the suppression of their rights, which were often associated with harem culture, continue to be issues in some regions.

History

In ancient Assyria, Persia, and Egypt, royal harems included the ruler's wives, concubines, attendants, and eunuchs.
In the Ottoman Empire, harems were common in wealthy households.
The practice of harems declined in popularity in the 20th century as women became more educated and joined the workforce.

RESEARCH + RESOURCES

What is ‘harem culture,’ anyway?

Harem culture is a social structure in which women are secluded in a domestic space, often in patriarchal societies. The practice of harems was common in many societies, including Islamic, Aztec, and Chinese cultures.

Characteristics

Polygamy: Harems often practiced polygamy, where a man had multiple wives.

Patriarchy: Harems were often found in male-dominated societies where women were considered second-class citizens.

Misogyny: Harems were often part of societies that were misogynistic.

Seclusion: Women in harems were secluded from men and often had separate living quarters.

Modern Relevance:

While the practice of maintaining harems in the traditional sense has largely declined, the seclusion of women and the suppression of their rights, which were often associated with harem culture, continue to be issues in some regions.

History

In ancient Assyria, Persia, and Egypt, royal harems included the ruler's wives, concubines, attendants, and eunuchs.

In the Ottoman Empire, harems were common in wealthy households.

The practice of harems declined in popularity in the 20th century as women became more educated and joined the workforce.