The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, has received an National Endowment for the Arts Art Works grant of $50,000 for its upcoming production of Trans Scripts: Part I, The Women. Paul Lucas’ groundbreaking new play about transgender identity will begin performances January 19 and is set to run through February 5 at the Loeb Drama Center.
“The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as the American Repertory Theater, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said NEA chairman Jane Chu in a press statement. The NEA Art Works category focuses on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence and diversity, encourages public engagement, and the strengthens communities.
A.R.T. describes the new project, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe earlier this year, as a verbatim play. Trans Scripts, Part I: The Women is drawn from candid interviews with dozens of transgender women from around the world, and uses their actual words to shed light on their rich and diverse experiences. Jo Bonney (Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)) directs a cast of seven in the U.S. premiere.
“Their true stories, told in their own words, are honest, funny, moving, insightful, and inspiring. But most of all, they are human, shedding light not on our differences, but on what all people share, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical sex,“ state earlier press notes.
A.R.T is under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Paulus, and Executive Director Diane Quinn.
For further information on Trans Scripts, visit AmericanRepertoryTheater.org
