About Face Theatre, Nov, 4 - Dec. 10 2016 Following our experimental staged reading at Chicago's Dankhaus, the Artistic Director of About Face Theatre, Andrew Volkhoff, conferred with playwright Doug Wright. After some discussion Mr. Wright agreed to permit a multiple-actor version of his work, and so About Face today announced I Am My Own Wife as part of their coming 2016-17 main stage season, with me cast in the lead role of Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf.
I am humbled and excited to bring Charlotte to Chicago audiences. Far as our research indicates this will be the first time a transgender actor, anywhere, has portrayed her in a fully staged, professional production. As they did in our initial reading, the dozens of other (mostly male) characters in her story will be played by a small ensemble of other actors. I discussed this basic idea with Andrew awhile back. My primary concern of course was to have this important trans story finally told by a transgender artist. Also, by playing only Charlotte there is no need for that actor to step back and forth over the cis/trans gender line -- an important consideration for today's audiences who, like it or not, are still learning that trans is not merely performative but an authentic expression of a very real identity. And perhaps best of all, this casting gives Charlotte a constant and palpable presence on the stage, not merely one in a kaleidescope of characters flickering past. This is her story, and she deserves that. Rehearsals begin in early October, and the show runs November 4 through December 10 at Theatre Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657. Check future Real Delia posts for online ticket sales, and more about this ground-breaking production. About "I Am My Own Wife" Awards Won On Wikipedia About Face Announcement I Am a Regional Actor! On June 5th I leave O'Hare for Denver Colorado. Then take a long, 3 hour shuttle ride to a town nestled in a famous ski area. And all in the name of art. Just a week ago, the Lark Theatre Co in New York City hired me to workshop a new play. The script is wonderful, my character well-written and a great challenge. For about 5 days I'll join a creative team assembled to develop this play further. Our host and sponsor is the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, and the program is their New Works Festival. The Camp has been around for decades, the Festival since 1997. At this same event 4 other highly-reputable theatre companies will be absorbed in their own plays: - Primary Stages (New York City, NY) - Actors Theatre of Louisville (Louisville, KY) - South Coast Repertory (Costa Mesa, CA) - Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theater Company (Denver, CO) After our work-shopping, June 10 and 11th we read our plays for an audience which includes these other companies. So its a great opportunity to be seen by some of the finest American theatres focusing on new plays. I'm extremely excited, to say the least. And no, I won't send you a postcard! My first sitcom-reading At iO Theatre's Chris Farley Cabaret on Saturday May 17th for a (nearly) cold read of a wonderful sitcom-pilot script.
Performing Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf in a staged reading |
Tuesday, April 26th, 7 p.m. DankHaus German American Cultural Center This is the first time I've ever created an acting opportunity for myself. An experiment that may, in time, proceed from this one-shot staged reading to a full production. Months ago, it occurred to me that the most famous transgender character in modern theatre had never actually been performed professionally by a trans actress. Though she referred to herself as "transvestite", Charlotte lived 24/7 as a female. By our modern understanding of gender, she was clearly transgender, identifying as a female. |
I brought this to the attention of Andrew Volkoff, acclaimed artistic director of About Face Theatre where "I Am My Own Wife" had its first workshop audiences before premiering in New York, and eventually nabbing Tony and Pulitzer Prize awards for Best Play. Andrew was intrigued and thought a reading might be useful.
Months later, I floated the idea to the The Chicago Inclusion Project which was looking for a good work to perform at The Dankhaus, one of the outreach venues for our Salon Series. Our concept involved adding actors, turning this one-person show into a four-person cast.
In our About Face rehearsal space, Andrew had one crucial night to direct us, giving tremendous input on every scene. Then one more session to put it on its feet, and make it our own. The next night was our single show, before 40-somoe people in the Dankhaus' big room on the 6th floor.
The performance was well received, and a portion of the crowd participated in a talk-back session afterwards. It was a thrill to play Charlotte in this new format, and I hope its not the last time!
Months later, I floated the idea to the The Chicago Inclusion Project which was looking for a good work to perform at The Dankhaus, one of the outreach venues for our Salon Series. Our concept involved adding actors, turning this one-person show into a four-person cast.
In our About Face rehearsal space, Andrew had one crucial night to direct us, giving tremendous input on every scene. Then one more session to put it on its feet, and make it our own. The next night was our single show, before 40-somoe people in the Dankhaus' big room on the 6th floor.
The performance was well received, and a portion of the crowd participated in a talk-back session afterwards. It was a thrill to play Charlotte in this new format, and I hope its not the last time!