About The Opposite of Queer Trauma

The Opposite of Queer Trauma brought together experienced and professional LGBTQI+++ performers, each with very different backgrounds, and LGBTQI+++ community members, who were interested in the workshops we had to offer, to make this voice-movement show, a promenade, and a ‘Zine. In a series of workshops, the performers explored the expressive power of their voices and bodies in ways that they might have not done before: ways that allowed the wisdom of existing outside the norm -  to surge forth. Each member of the ensemble found sounds and movements that they gave themselves as gifts: gifts that they worked to radiate outward vocally and physically. A series of moments of gifting form the backbone of this unusual, choral, semi-theatrical, slightly danced, show, as we turn these gifts outward.

During The Opposite of Queer Trauma’sprocess, we started from wondering whether we could create:

·      an experience,

·      or some moments,

·      or set of feelings,

·      or some states of being …

…that could act powerfully, and perhaps even transform us positively: that is to say, transform the human being, as positively, …. as traumatic incidents do, negatively. And we worked on finding some of these possible Opposites of Queer Trauma in an LGBTQI+++ space, focussed on the impulses of this range of diverse and super-unique LGBTQI+++ bodies. We did not focus on healing the traumatic, though we recognise the importance of spaces, places and people who heal. Resources exist for healing the traumatic, as imperfect as they may be, at least here in this place and now (there are, of course, many places where such resources do not exist). As LGBTQI+++ identified people, we are … let us say … familiar with the damage traumatic incidents can do. We even have our own individualised expertise in what these incidents do and what they mean. And in this time when our community is facing backlash, and when certain forces feel more empowered to act aggressively and in a damaging manner to the gender-adventurous and to those on the LGBTQI+++ spectrum, we know that help for those who are carrying the effects of traumatic incidents and long-term dynamics in their body is very, very important and very, very needed.

Yet, here we are in a space of the making of art. This is a space where we can try out the seemingly impossible.Art is a space where we can imagine futures rather than be subjected only to the present. This piece is called The Opposite of Queer Trauma because, to our knowledge, there is no word for the Opposite of Trauma in English. (If you think there is one in another language – let us know!!!) We are embodying the as-yet-un-named. That is art’s job.

So, from this way of working and these goals, we developed sounds and movements, visual art and writing, and a whole range of people joined and supported us – from sound design and music-making, to lighting design, to ushing, to stage management, and of course our facilitators to help us structure the work into this show and event. Kind test audience helped our more inexperienced performers get used to being on stage by attending opened rehearsals. So much effort went into nourishing this work. Thanks to everyone.  

Credits:

Artistic Director: Yvon Bonenfant

Collaborating artists: Candy Warhol, Eki Irusta Araujo, Gillian Hemme.

Sound Design: Kevin Terry

Professional Ensemble: Jack O’Leary, Moss Russell, Nathan Patterson & Osaro

Community Ensemble: Clare Geraghty, Bridge, Sarah Dwyer, Jude O’Neill, Orlagh O’Brien, Macha Shewolf, Mel Murphy, Jamie Spillane

Lighting design: Declan Leonard

Lighting technician: Keeli Guilfoyle

Technical support: Benjamin Burns

Creative Producer: Yvonne Coughlan

Inclusivity Producer: Ciara O’Mahony

Stage management, production assistant: Meg Ahearne

Cork Midsummer Intern: Leigh Mozzachio

Irish Sign Language Translator: Luna Clara Fraher

Audio describer: Bríd Ní Ghruagáin

Ushers: Roksana Niewadsisz, Pádraig Harrington, Kathleen Coker, Saoirse Garet, Chara Charambolous, Fiona Walsh

Venue: Dance Cork Firkin Crane

Front of House: Ann Rae

GM: Kathleen Aleton

Box Office Manager: Andrea Stapleton

EXEC ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: LAURIE UPRICHARD