What's Happening?
The Trans History Project, a national initiative by Baltimore Center Stage Artist-in-Residence Bo Frazier, has announced its second cohort of five transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) playwrights. This project commissions and develops new plays
that center TGNC histories, experiences, and perspectives. Among the selected plays is K.T. Peterson's 'Everybody’s Total Pal!', which draws inspiration from historic TGNC figures, including the Shaker founder Ann Lee, alongside gender-queer prophet Public Universal Friend and trans doctor Alan L. Hart. Each playwright receives a $10,000 commission and developmental support from a coalition of regional theaters.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for amplifying TGNC voices and reclaiming their historical narratives within the American story. By commissioning new plays, the Trans History Project directly addresses the underrepresentation and erasure of TGNC individuals in mainstream historical accounts. The inclusion of Ann Lee as an inspiration for K.T. Peterson's play highlights a growing trend of re-examining historical figures through a TGNC lens, offering new interpretations and challenging traditional understandings. This project not only supports TGNC artists but also enriches the American theatrical landscape with diverse perspectives and untold stories, fostering greater inclusivity and understanding.
What's Next?
The five plays from this second cohort, including 'Everybody’s Total Pal!', will undergo developmental support at various regional theaters, such as Actors Theatre of Louisville, About Face Theatre, East West Players, and Native Voices. This development process will refine the scripts and prepare them for potential full productions. The project's ongoing mission to commission 10 new plays by 10 TGNC writers indicates a sustained effort to build a significant body of work that centers TGNC histories. The success of these plays could lead to broader theatrical recognition and further opportunities for TGNC playwrights.
Beyond the Headlines
The Trans History Project's work has deeper implications for how history is documented and interpreted. By drawing connections between historical figures like Ann Lee and contemporary TGNC identities, the project encourages a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the past. This re-examination can challenge rigid historical narratives and highlight the fluidity of gender and identity across different eras. The initiative also serves as a powerful act of resistance against efforts to erase or marginalize TGNC people, asserting their presence and contributions throughout history and in the present day. It underscores the idea that storytelling is a vital tool for social change and historical reclamation.
