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.