Zeb: A GENDER ODYSSEY is a new Tasmania Performs production, written and performed by trans, queer artist Zeb Direen. If you’re not sure if you’re a man, or a woman, how do you survive when the world expects you to tick just one box?
Based in truth, ZEB- A Gender Odyssey is a surprisingly emotional cabaret. Performing with glamour and style, Zeb Direen sits elegantly on the tipping point of perceived masculinity and femininity.
After years serving in smelly old footwear, Zeb, ‘retail assistant extraordinaire’, is promoted to homewares and is now a pillow and quilt expert. Zeb also uses ‘they’ and ‘them’, instead of ‘he’ or ‘she’ when describing themself. They just want to find where they belong… or escape into their favourite musical numbers for solace and reprieve.
This production brings together a diverse team of local and interstate artists for a heartfelt exploration of what it takes to thrive in a world defined by the expectations of others.
THE TEAM
Zeb Direen: Writer & performer
Philip Channells: Director
Amanda Hodder: Musical director & accompanist
Jill Munro: Set & costume design
Andrew “Ghost” McDonald: Lighting designer
Peter Matheson: Dramaturg
Zeb says:
“This show is all about gender identity. How we are perceived by people and how we see ourselves to be, and how the social constructs around us stop us from embracing or changing to be the people we want to be”
and also…
“This show is about not getting an audition. That’s what it’s about”
Director, Philip Channells says of the project:
“Theatre sometimes can be really unexpected and when we’re working in the context of cabaret, I hope through this show we’re actually shifting what Cabaret looks like”
and of Zeb:
“This is the sort of performer that I wish to work with. Someone that is able to take really great direction but also bring something that is completely unexpected”
to which Annette Downs, Senior Producer of Tasmania Performs, adds:
“Zeb’s whole being smiles. There’s something incredibly generous in Zeb. And when Zeb’s on stage I just think every audience member falls in love with that honesty and that openness and that warmth”
BOOKINGS: THEATREROYAL.COM.AU
Tasmania Performs is an initiative of Arts Tasmania managed by Performing Lines Ltd.
www.tasperforms.com
Tasmania Performs
