American Theatre | Trans History Project Cohort Announced
- This article details the launch and initial success of the Trans History Project, a new initiative focused on commissioning plays that explore trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) history...
- * The Project's Goal: To expand depiction of TGNC stories in American theater and serve as a model for inclusive new work advancement.
- * Ken-Matt Martin: Producing Director of Baltimore Center Stage, expressing support for the project.
Summary of the Trans History Project article
This article details the launch and initial success of the Trans History Project, a new initiative focused on commissioning plays that explore trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) history and experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
* The Project’s Goal: To expand depiction of TGNC stories in American theater and serve as a model for inclusive new work advancement. It’s also a form of protest against the current anti-trans political climate, focusing on empowering the TGNC community directly.
* Funding & Support: The project received a competitive grant from the American Theatre Wing and is currently seeking further funding to expand to more regions (American South, Pacific Northwest, Midwest) and partner with culturally specific organizations.
* Overwhelming response: The project received a surprisingly large number of submissions, highlighting the demand for this type of work within the TGNC artistic community.
* Inaugural Cohort: Five playwrights where selected for the first cohort, and their plays are being developed in residence at various regional theatres:
* Yona Moises Olivares: miss EMERICA (Baltimore Center Stage) – A satirical play about the experience of undocumented immigrants competing for acceptance as “Real American Women.”
* Roger Q.Mason: The Gladys Bentley Project (Diversionary Theatre, San Diego) – A play about Harlem Renaissance drag king Gladys Bentley reflecting on her life.
* Bree lowdowmilk: Days of Awe (Round House Theatre, bethesda, MD) – A musical about a Yom Kippur dinner disrupted by a daughter coming out as trans.
* Disidi Essential lady: (Details incomplete in provided text, but described as a multi-talented Black Nigerian, Cuban, Indigenous American performance artist).
Key People Involved:
* Frazier: the driving force behind the project.
* Ken-Matt Martin: Producing Director of Baltimore Center Stage, expressing support for the project.
* Stevie Walker-Webb: Artistic Director of Baltimore Center Stage, committed to developing work by marginalized voices.
How to Learn More/Contribute:
* contact Frazier at: TransHistoryProject@centerstage.org