North East Theatre Guide: Preview: Testosterone

Rhum and Clay Theatre Company and Kit Redstone present Testosterone

Testosterone

Thursday 3 May 2018 – Arts Centre Washington

Friday 4 May 2018 – The Witham, Barnard Castle

Saturday 5 May 2018 - Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Award-winning physical theatre company Rhum and Clay head to the North East soon after a critically acclaimed and award winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2017, where they were presented as part of the British Council Showcase, with their game-changing show Testosterone created as an exciting collaboration with darkly comic transgender theatre writer and director Kit Redstone.

What does it mean to be a man or a woman?

Is gender innate or is it nurtured?

Kit is in an amusing and unique position, having transitioned from female to male in his early thirties, he has experienced adult life on both sides of the gender fence, giving him the opportunity to notice what differences there are in how he is treated by society - what he gains and what he loses by becoming a man. He is also able to choose exactly what kind of man he wants to be without the usual influences of a gendered upbringing. With this refreshingly honest and irreverent physical theatre comedy by critically acclaimed company Rhum and Clay and darkly comic theatre writer and director Kit Redstone, Testosterone explores the sometimes toxic world of men and looks at the benefits and restraints Kit has observed whilst becoming a man.

What kind of 'man' are you?

Multi-layered and gripping physical theatre piece is much more than what Redstone wickedly satirises as another story about “brave little trans soldiers” which reminds us that transitioning is a beginning not an ending. - Lyn Gardner

Photo: Luke Forsythe

Part of the 2017 British Council Edinburgh Showcase this show combines storytelling, comedy and physical theatre – with the powerful writing and true story of transgender performer Kit Redstone – Testosterone offers an intimate, life-enhancing glimpse into Kit's unique perspective on life, love and laughs. It also tells a powerful story about gender itself, charting Kit's own experiences as a new man stepping for the first time into the world of masculinity.

The show's also sets a new benchmark in accessible theatre and inspiring others to take up the cause. At the forefront of the UK's transgender theatre movement, Kit's work is leading the way towards making more inclusive and respectful theatre.

For Rhum and Clay this show follows Edinburgh smash-hit 64 Squares, which received wide critical acclaim. They have also presented Hardboiled, The Man in the Moone and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Lyn Gardner recently described how the company ‘Rhum and Clay have come of age’ and Broadway Baby says 'With Testosterone, Rhum and Clay have proven themselves to be one of the most exciting and engaging theatre companies currently working in Britain.'

Running Time 90 mins (no interval)

Suitable for ages 16+

On The Web:

www.rhumandclay.com

@rhumandclay

www.kitredstone.com

@KitRedstone

These performances are part of REACH, a project bringing new theatre to the North East managed by ARC Stockton and funded by Arts Council England.

North East Tour Dates:

Thursday 3 May 2018, 7.30pm – Arts Centre Washington

0191 561 3455 / www.artscentrewashington.co.uk

Friday 4 May 2018, 8pm – The Witham, Barnard Castle