There’s Something in the Water, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

by Laura Kressly

In transphobic discourse, trans people are feared and consequently monstered. In these bigots’ brains, they are positioned outside the gender binary and labeled ‘not normal’. Canadian trans nonbinary theatremaker SE Grummett (they/them) first satirises what is considered normal within traditional gender roles, then creates a simple folktale where trans people as superheroes. They uses puppetry, audience interaction and live feed video projection along with monologues to both hilarious and profound effect.

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I Can’t Hear You, Theatre503

by Laura Kressly

After Ash and Lucy hook up after work drinks, things quickly get serious between the two young call centre workers. Initially they can’t get enough of each other, but something shifts between them after a homophobic attack on a night out. Their different responses ultimately drive a wedge between them, though underneath this conflict there is genuine and joyful queer love.

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If We Ended This, Camden People’s Theatre

By Laura Kressly

Emotional connections with others – or lack thereof – can feel all-consuming. In this expressionistic montage, mini-scenes exploring the essence of how we relate to and with others culminate in a sense of isolation that comes with growing up and growing apart from friends and loved ones. However, this channeling of big ideas through characters who are only onstage for the briefest of moments doesn’t give either the ideas or the characters space to grow.

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