Written by William G. Hubbard.
Based on a collection of monologues by William G. Hubbard.
The Society’s first stage production, I Am Not a Girl, debuted at Vancouver's The Cultch in June 2018. The production stems from a true story that was generously given to Executive Producer William Grant Hubbard with the request that the subject of the story remain anonymous.
I Am Not a Girl tells the unique story of Eric – born into a large family in the 1970’s and assigned female at birth, they spend the first part of their life masquerading as "Erica". When they begin to question their identity, they are propelled on a journey of self-discovery, embarking into a world of drugs, sexual encounters and failed relationships. They finally reach a revelation, they can transition to the gender that they have always truly identified as – male. With this promise and the incredible support of a loving mother, "Erica" faces the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of transitioning to their authentic self, Eric.
Director: Ren Kennedy
Choreography: Sebastien (“Bash”) Hirtenstein
Cast: Sara Southey, Kia Vance, Sebastien (“Bash”) Hirtenstein
Lighting Designer: Andie Lloyd
Sound Designer: Patrick Boudreau
Costumes and Sets: Emily Fraser
Projection Slides: Vanka Salim
Photography: Joel Fraser
Publicity: Sean Scott, Nigel Hubbard
“I’ve just seen this production and thought it was outstanding. Well written and performed, it opened a door into a difficult world and was an intense and compassionate story. The combination of dialogue and dance was inspired. Kudos to all involved.”
“This is an important, agonizing and triumphant story and I’m so happy to have seen last nights’s production at the Cultch. Very well written and directed, with outstanding performances, it was completely engrossing and very moving. Kudos to everyone involved. It deserves to be presented to wider audiences. WOW!”
“The show was so well done and I’d recommend it to anyone."
“They play itself was a tour de force. It left me emotionally exhausted from crying a lot. Loved your play. Congratulations to the crew."
On June 24, 2018, the Society hosted a special panel event after the matinée of I Am Not a Girl. Guest speakers included:
Amy Fox
Fox is a Writer, Actor and Line Producer at Trembling Void Studios, where her team creates and delivers content under the guiding principle of “Unfuck the Future.” She’s also the co-creator of “The Switch”. a TBV sitcom starring trans actors, which aired on OutTV and is available on iTunes and Google Play.
Tasha Hill
As a kid in the 70’s, Tasha knew she was different, but didn’t know what to do about it. In the ‘80s, she thought she must be possessed and asked a priest for an exorcism (he said no). In the ‘90s, a doctor at Vancouver’s gender clinic told her “You’re cute, but too tall to pass”. Last year, she finally said “so what” and transitioned. Tasha’s the proud parent of a seven year-old boy who loves her as she is.
Chancellor Kingsmyth
“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness and other have greatness thrust upon them.”
Tash McAdam
Originally from Wales, but now settled in Vancouver, Tas is a 30 year old YA author, and a teacher candidate at UBC. Tash identifies as trans and queer and uses the neutral pronoun ‘they’. There also an English teacher and fully equipped to defend that grammar! They write fast-paced, plot-centric action adventure with diverse casts. They write the books that they wanted to read as a queer kid and young adult (and still do!). Their first sic-fi novel series drops this December. When not writing or studying, Tash enjoys reading (shocker!), martial arts and far too many cups of tea.
Illustration: Eimear Kinsella
Staged Reading
A reading performance of the script took place on November 3, 2017 at Work Place in Vancouver BC, featuring Ren Kennedy and Leslie Appleton. The purpose of the live reading was to elicit constructive feedback and inform the direction of the final script and the 2018 stage production.
Photo credit: Joel Fraser