theatre we love: transformation

Getting Out of the Box with Transformation.

A good story makes you think. A great story makes you feel. A powerful story transforms your perspective. Nothing Without A Company and The Living Canvas’ latest show stimulates all senses in the visually compelling, poetic drama, Transformation.

Transformation in its entirety is devised and performed by transgender, genderqueer, intersex and non-binary artists. As part of The Living Canvas series, projections are the only garments the performers wear. As the visuals cascade upon performers, Gabriel Faith Howard, Ronen Kohn, Lily Jean, Chase Nuerge, Ben Polson, and Kevin Sparrow, the stories initiate a discussion needed now more than ever.

“It’s an effort in both representation and providing a platform for a marginalized community to tell their stories and truths and be heard,” says director and divisor, Gaby Labotka. Additional divisors, Ronen Kohn, Darling Squire, Avi Roque, and Kevin Sparrow leave the audience little to question about the LGBT community, their desires to be recognized and not antagonized because they are “different.”

Movement, dance, and text propel these visual stories, leaving no stone unturned to reveal the inner-most thoughts a person transitioning goes through to be one with themselves. In one of the movement pieces titled “Uniform,” the audience witnesses the universal struggle to fit in as clothing is viewed as the first indicator of gender. To further punctuate the message of inclusiveness, the accompanying song written by Jake Smucker is sung by members of the Chicago trans and gender non-conforming community.

What is unveiled throughout the show leaves the audience with a deeper understanding of the need for community and togetherness. As an ally, a friend, or family member of the transgender community, the exposure to this piece of theatre, these human stories, heightens the importance of acceptance and strength for all identities.

“2016 marks one of the most deadly years in reported murders of trans individuals. The need for understanding and respect is becoming more and more urgent every day.” – Gaby Labotka

Transformation can be seen at The Vault at Collaboration Studios in The Flat Iron Arts Building.
Opened Thursday, November 17th, 2016
Closing Saturday, December 17th, 2016
Thanksgiving week: Performance on Monday, November 21st at 8pm instead of Thanksgiving Day.
Tickets are now on sale at Brown Paper Tickets.