The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) world premiere of Becoming a Man begins performances February 16. Tony winner Diane Paulus and author P. Carl co-direct the adaption of Carl's memoir chronicling his transition and gender affirmation journey. It will play A.R.T.'s Loeb Drama Center in Harvard Square, Cambridge through March 10. An official opening night is slated for February 21.
Published in 2020, Carl's acclaimed novel details his lifelong journey as a queer individual leading into his transition and gender affirmation. For 50 years, Carl built a career and loving marriage while waiting to realize himself in full. When he decided to affirm his gender at a pivotal moment in American politics, his transition put everything—family, career, friendships—at stake.
"As a trans person, I spent most of my life with my head in a book imagining other lives, other bodies, and other histories. But reading wasn’t just about imagining myself as a man, it was about imagining, period—a way of holding myself together until the day I could viscerally feel my own existence. Becoming a Man is about surviving, becoming embodied, and learning to live," said Carl in a statement.
The cast includes Petey Gibson as Carl, with Justiin Davis as Eddie and other roles, Elena Hurst as Lynette, Christopher Liam Moore as Carl’s Father and other roles, Stacey Raymond as Polly, Susan Rome as Carl’s Mother and other roles, and Cody Sloan as Nathan and other roles.
The production features scenic design by Emmie Finckel, costume design by Qween Jean, lighting design by Cha See, sound design and composing by Paul James Prendergast, and projection design by Brittany Bland. Genevieve Kersh serves as production stage manager alongside Rachel Zucker as assistant stage manager. Casting is by X Casting's Victor Vazquez.
A.R.T. will host a number of accessible performances for Becoming a Man, including ASL interpreted performances March 3 and March 6, audio described performances March 2 and March 7, open captioned performances March 2 and March 7, and a relaxed performance March 3.
For tickets and more information, visit here.
