Trans Tasmin

There are very few theatre plays that explore the world of transgender New Zealanders in contemporary society.  The themes around cross-dressing, androgyny, and transgender have been around for thousands of years and explored in the very earliest of written theatre literature: eg The Bacchae by Euripides.
 
It is my intention to write a play where the issues of gender role, and transgenderism in contemporary society are seen against a backdrop of an ancient Greek Tragedy.  The scenes will be linked by the character Simon Greenwood, who is a first year university student studying The Bacchae.  He is able to view his own contemporary challenges of having a transgender girlfriend and a cross-dressing stepfather against the gender-role themes in The Bacchae.
 
Woven into the contemporary story is the story of this Greek Tragedy about Dyonisus' ruin of Pentheus.  The issues will be seen through the eyes of young Simon Greenwood, who has been greatly influenced by his stepfather, when he discovers that his stepfather is leading a double life.  Meanwhile the young man unwittingly begins a relationship with Tasmin, a M?ori transgender woman.
 
Titled TRANS TASMIN, the play will deal with discrimination in New Zealand society, misunderstandings and fears about the transgender community, and be expressed in theatrically challenging context by including aspects of Euripides' 'The Bacchae' within the text.

It is my hope that audiences will come away with a greater understanding of the transgender community, and perhaps having more tolerance and compassion for New Zealanders who are different to them.  Join me in bringing this important message of understanding and equality to life through the art of theatre.   A form of art, which for centuries has been celebrated for it's ability to educate, inspire and transform humanity.

Thank you for your support - Robert Gilbert.