World Premiere of Original Canadian Musical ‘Real Me’ September 26-28 at Roseneath Theatre, Toronto
I am Hanlon Uafás-Álainn, a trans dad, award-winning producer/film-maker/actor, and the playwright/songwriter/director of Real Me, a play based on my experiences of gender-transitioning with young children. In 2017, I took a play called Unexpectedly Trans to the Halifax Fringe Festival and it received positive feedback and reviews (read a review in the Coast here). Together with Under the Bus Collective and in association with Roseneath Theatre, I’ve reworked the play for young audiences with the support of the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, Lush Cosmetics (the bath bomb people) and through private donations.
In the development phase, we presented two online workshops (in 2021 during lockdowns and in 2023) to schools and families in Toronto and in Grey-Bruce. More than 90% of attendees said they would like to see the completed work.
Real Me is the story of a family in transition; two siblings have near-opposite reactions when ‘Mom’ comes out as ‘Papa.’ Teen-aged Blair is unbelievably supportive, whereas 7-year-old Iris is unsure. When Blair later comes out as non-binary, Aunt Jane fights with Papa over the children, but Iris and Blair come to his defence. Although Iris struggles at first, she finally realizes, “Momma’s gone…but I’ve got the best Papa in the whole world!”
It was silly and at times suspenseful.(…) I am also curious [about] what happens, which makes it more thrilling to watch the whole show. ~ Grade 7 Student – TDSB
Yes [I would like to see the full show] because its a very important story and one that I don’t really see a lot in ilms, tv shows or plays. ~ Grade 8 Student TDSB
Now, in 2024, we’re rehearsing for the world premiere of this ground-breaking original musical with a predominantly trans cast, crew, and creative team.
For schools, teachers, homeschoolers and parents interested in attending a performance, please click here!
Members of the press can access a press release here.
Premiere of RE:GEN(D)ERATION and Bittersweet Becoming July 3rd, 2024
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Hanlon Uafás-Álainn (formerly McGregor) here, a trans/queer/poly man (pronouns he/they) and parent of two human children and two fur children. I’m originally from Nova Scotia and I’m now based between Toronto, Ontario and Cumberland County, NS (see ocean image above!)
Playwright / Producer / Writer / Actor / Director / Choreographer / Songwriter for stage and screen. I make art as activism to lift the voices and tell the stories of trans and queer people, women, disabled people, indigenous, black, brown people and generally most people who have been othered in our culture.
Right now, trans+ rights are very much threatened by the swinging of the pendulum toward fascism and away from tolerance and celebration of individual freedoms. People are no longer secure in their human rights to protections and autonomy over their own bodies. I strive to create spaces and experiences where trans people are radically supported and cared for – both audiences and performers/designers/makers of film and theatre.
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Speaking of updates! Brandubh and I took our show Liminal idEntities to the Halifax Fringe in September, 2023. And although the houses were small, they were also vocal about their love of this workshop performance that incorporated images and shadow puppets created by using an old-school overhead projector operated by Stephen Uafás-Álainn. Stephen designed the visuals, costume, and sets allowing me to jump through time and in and out of individuals as this, my latest script, demanded.
Jeremy Webb, Artistic Director of Neptune Theatre in Halifax, attended and had this to say about Liminal idEntities:
Thoughtful and provocative, inventive and creative, deeply personal and heartbreaking. With a biting wit that kicks.
To read more about Liminal idEntities please click HERE!
The development of the script for Liminal idEntities was supported by the Ontario Government, The Ontario Arts Council, and Nightwood Theatre.
Hanlon's Point 