Denise Larson
Author Interview - Denise Larson
Author of Anarchy in High Heels
Anarchy in High Heels is not a state of dress: it’s a state of mind.
A San Francisco porno theater might be the last place you’d expect to plant the seed of a feminist troupe, but truth is stranger than fiction.
In 1972, access to birth control and a burn-your-bra ethos were leading young women to repudiate their 1950s conservative upbringing and embrace a new liberation. Denise Larson was a timid twenty-four-year-old actress wannabe, when at an after-hours countercultural event called The People’s Nickelodeon, she accidently created Les Nickelettes. This bonding together of like-minded women with an anything-goes spirit unlocked a deeply hidden female humor. For the first time, Denise allowed the suppressed satirical thoughts dancing through her head to come out in the open. Together with Les Nickelettes, which quickly became a brazen women’s lib troupe, she presented a series of feminist skits, stunts, and musical comedy plays that led The Bay Guardian to describe the group in 1980 as “nutty, trashy, and very funny.”
With sisterhood providing the moxie, Denise took on leadership positions not common for women at the time: playwright, stage director, producer, and administrative/artistic director. But, in the end, the most important thing her time with Les Nickelettes taught her was the power of female friendship.
Author Interview - Denise Larson
Author I draw inspiration from: Elizabeth Lesser
Author Interview - Denise Larson
Favorite place to read a book: Propped up in bed, but I also enjoy reading during a meal.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Elizabeth Lesser. "Cassandra Speaks" by Elizabeth Lesser. I would love to discuss with Elizabeth ancient mythologies, and how we need to now create new mythologies from the women's point of view. And, how through stories, women can become a more powerful force in societies.
Author Interview - Denise Larson
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: When someone suggested to me that there should be a book about Les Nickelettes. Les Nickelettes were a trailblazing feminist theater troupe that I had been involved in for thirteen years, telling that story in book form just seemed like a no-brainer.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Hardback or paperback. I like the feel of a book.
The last book I read: "So Happy Together" by Deborah Shepherd. The story takes place in the '60s and '80s and I could relate to those eras. I enjoyed that the novel explored the positive and regretful choices that the main character, Caro, made during her lifetime. It made me reflect on the outcomes of the good and bad choices I've made.
Author Interview - Denise Larson
Pen & paper or computer: Computer. To me it's faster and easier to edit.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Tina Fey. "Bossypants" by Tina Fey. I'd love to talk to Tina about how empowering it is to be bossy. And, of course, I would envision her making me laugh until I wet my pants.
Author Interview - Denise Larson
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: An actress. I was an actress, but I gave it up to have a baby. Now I'm exploring theater again through improv and by working with a new theater ensemble: The Cosmic Elders.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1970s. Those were the days, my friend.
Place I’d most like to travel: Norway. My father's family emigrated from Norway and I've never been there, so I would love to see the country and the culture.
My signature drink: White wine is always the easy go to, but I don't mind an occasional Martini
Favorite artist: Monet. It's the colors.
Number one on my bucket list: Getting the story of my adventures in Les Nickelettes out into the world.
Anything else you'd like to add: What do you want for a nickel? You got to read the book to get that one.
And, It only took me 30 years to write it.
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Author Bio: After getting a BA in theater from San Francisco State University, Denise Larson pinned her dreams on becoming an experimental theater artist in the 1970s milieu of the Bay Area. Along that path she founded Les Nickelettes. For thirteen years, she helmed the feminist theater company and assumed the role of actress, playwright, producer, stage director, and administrative/artistic director. Then she gave it all up to become a mother and teacher. After a twenty-year career in Early Childhood Education, she retired and took up writing.
