Bunny Man is a courageous and strong show exploring the everyday struggles of being a trans with a supernatural element. Performed, written and co-directed by Christopher Lieberman, the show provides an uncensored insight to the endless worries, doubts and sadly shame that trans people feel deeply and daily. Jacob Freda is the show's other co-director.
Bunny Man follows the story of Chris as he tries to fill the hole within him and become the person who he knows he is. With obvious sexual innuendos, a painful insight into the atrocities of the waiting lists and professional help, the internal doubt and lack of confidence, Bunny Man becomes a striking piece. Through interactions with friends and his partner Alex, Chris experiences the fears being brought to life firsthand. Often used and abused, Chris makes subtle remarks about the complexities of sexual and emotional relationships, which serve well of the harsh reminder of reality. However through an accidental interaction with the mystical being "Bunny Man", Chris begins to see the world, and himself, with a new perspective.
The show's greatest strength comes from Lieberman's delivery. He takes the time to make eye contact with each audience member on multiple occasions, and even includes cheeky interactions (mostly related to the functionality of a penis) and truly engages with the audience. With funny observations and commentary that slip into the more serious nature of the piece, Bunny Man boldly leaves its mark (and Mark and Mark and Mark) in a new wave of LGBT storytellers. Lieberman is careful to steer away from cliches, preferring instead to give us a deeply personal experience, that truly resonates and captivates the audience.
Filled with a bustling and nervous energy, Lieberman constantly paces around the small stage, which fits the awkward and restless nature of the character, but does make it a little hard to hear everything he says when he is turned away.
The set is minimal, with a small table for props and a chair upon which Lieberman is sat reading a book (Pegging is a feminist issue) when the audience first enters. The props are used occasionally and with great purpose. Lieberman, rather kindly, unfolds a mat before delving into the more graphic scenes of violence to prevent the fake blood from dripping onto stage. A particular shoutout to Mary Foxx, a friend of Lieberman, who used their talent to whittle a wooden phallus for the show.
Bells Kennedy-Compston helms the role of sound and lighting technician and brings a fun use of blackouts and overlapping multi coloured lighting to help emphasis points. The show also uses voice overs for "Bunny Man" and a fun sock puppet, (Jacob Freda and Danielle James), with additional music by Ruby Wednesday and Russell Lanigan.
Bunny Man is an entertaining, emotional and informative piece on the trans experience, with an element of the supernatural. Lieberman's honesty and refusal to shy away from the more graphic details or hard hitting truths is admirable and really steers the show to its success. Currently playing at the Baron Court Theatre until the 9th of March. For more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
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AD | gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Bells Kennedy-Compston