Performances of “It’s a Boi” at the Dennis Small Cultural Center may spark new conversation on gender issues, said Interactive Theatre Project (ITP) Co-director Trent Norman.
“We hope one thing that people do is start to talk about it and say, ‘That made me think. I hope I get a chance to start figuring out what they mean,’” Norman said.
The ITP presented he controversial subject of gender identity Wednesday night in a series of three modules. The four actors demonstrated a scene in which a previously identified girl became a “boi” and “his” friends reacted to the situation.
But what exactly is a boi? Dawn Stanley, the assistant director for ITP, said the term pertains to a type of gender.
“A boi is a gender identity and gender expression,” Stanley said. “We want to people in the community to be more inclusive of folks with different gender identities.”
Throughout the brief play portion, the character Alix demonstrates his need for masculinity, even wrapping his breasts in bandages to disguise the proof of his physical gender as a woman. His close friends discuss their confusion and frustration with the situation, stumbling over pronouns; should they call Alix “him” or “her?”
Community member Jack Kling said he sympathizes with the friends in the scene.
“Before this performance, I would have thought I could explain my understanding with this issue,” Kling said. “After watching, I realized how hard it is to be an ally to someone undergoing a change like that.”
Jasmine Maciel, a 21-year-old junior history major, said she felt nervous about playing Alix’s roommate and former close female friend, Jamie.
“I thought it was tough,” Maceil said. “I was afraid for the questions from the audience.”
Maciel said she auditioned for ITP against her will but has enjoyed the opportunity.
“I’m really thankful I was pushed to try out,” Maciel said. “I get to challenge myself, which is the best part of ITP. It opened my eyes in a brand new way. I’ve become more educated and I can apply what I’ve learned in rehearsals to the community.”
The performance ran about an hour and a half, with the majority of the time devoted to comments and questions. Hillary Montague-asp, a 19-year-old sophomore women and gender studies and sociology major and officer of Queer Initiative, said she appreciated the discussion generation from the play.
“This is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed in a respectful manner,” Montague said. “I thought it was really good, with a good conversation afterward.”
The ITP gives monthly public presentations on brainstormed topics. Norman said he looks forward to next month’s interactive play on health care, class, and identity issues.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jennifer Retter at Jennifer.retter@colorado.edu.
