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2022 Tales of the Transcestors

Cabaret & Variety · Celebration Theatre · Ages 13+ · United States of America

world premiere
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2022 tales of the transcestors

Review by anonymous

June 18, 2022 certified reviewer

What I liked

The casting and the choices the actors chose were phenomenal. Lou Sullivan’s section of the play was a standout in writing and delivery. Everyone’s individual performances made the fabric of the play unforgettable. I especially loved all the cast being united in the very last story. A healthy blend of humor, pain, and truth. There needs to be more of this!

What I didn't like

I want to see more imperfections in the characters’ stories! I think there were pieces in the show that were inching towards this, but I could see it going even deeper. I felt there were a couple of moments that were more “let’s teach a lesson on transphobia”. This may have been needed for cis people in the audience who are new to learning about trans history (or trans anything), but I think we are ready for even more authenticity on stage. The only other thing I wish I could have seen were stories about Black trans people- this is certainly influenced by the fact that many Black transgender people are not able to become professional actors due to the systematic anti-blackness we currently operate in the entertainment industry. To be able to become an actor often times involves a lot of privileges and circumstances that are afforded to very few-even for the most privileged of this world. But I know that there are Black transgender people waiting to be on the stage to able to tell a Black transgender person’s iconic tale. Maybe there needs to be a different resource available for Black transgender actors to be able to financially afford to be an actor/writer. But overall, this is an incredible play that deserves more eyes on it!

My overall impression

A gorgeous cast of exceptional actors clearly led by an equally exceptional director. Seeing an entirely transgender performance, and sharing our histories was an enriching experience. The fact the actors wrote their monologues about their respective characters made this a rich performance to watch.

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2022 tales of the transcestors