This thought-provoking, finger-clicking, queer pride protest is absolutely not one to be missed.
Genderfluid Babe Manifesto is a theatre piece about a trans person killing their internal demons from their root - with that demon being their mother. She provides us with an endless stream of fat-phobia, transphobia, biphobia, ageism, sexism, and all other necessities for upholding capitalistic values of self worth. Set in 1990s Argentina, and told through spoken word, movement, drag and projection, the performance is a window into this person's journey of dismantling their inner voices and reaching the joy of existing beyond the binary. And they invite you to do the same.
From the very start, it feels like you are treated as a friend at a party, instead of an audience member at a show. This was absolutely fuelled by the sold out auditorium of people you knew were supportive and enthusiastic (not only by their whooping and cheering throughout, but by the very fact that they are here to support queer art). This, paired with the camp dance breaks and trigger warnings provided beforehand, made for a very comfortable environment - which is obviously important when watching such an educational piece.
And I really did learn a lot. As a white British person, I am definitely guilty of focussing too narrowly on issues like homophobia, meaning I predominantly learn about UK and American approaches. However, it is clear that there is such a wide range of these out there, and it's shows like this that bring them to life in a way that we can all understand. The rule of human experience is clearly embedded in the show, and is used as a tool to connect the audience members with each other and the performer - meaning that we are journeying together through this lesson in love and reality.
Lighting, set, props, and costume were fantastically integrated into what became a visual feast, without ever being overwhelming to watch. I especially enjoyed the de-sexualisation of nudity in many scenes, and believe its blasé inclusion will spark important conversations around what should actually be considered taboo and why. Although I found the first segment a little too long, and was worried I wouldn't feel engaged as we continued, this was redeemed by the rollercoaster of emotions you are quickly plunged into with the mood changing almost every scene thereafter.
To summarise; I laughed a lot but respected that there was no comedy for comedy's sake, and also wanted to leave lots of angry comments on some of the characters monologues. It was a refreshing, camp, deep, and well developed hour of theatre that I think lots more people should go and experience!
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{AD | Gifted} Written by Katie Anna McConnell (she/her)
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