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Well, my name is Griz also Joanna or Annie or Joe or a lot of other things. And, um, I'm a part of the that so gay collaborative project with toy and schools out. Um and yeah, I thought we'd We'd have a bit of a bit of a wee interview with a bunch of the cast and so on and crew about schools out. Um, so this is this is Keith. Say hi, Keith. Keith? Yeah. Um, So yeah. What? What What's the production about? Tell us. Tell us a bit about [00:00:30] it. Well, basically, to me, the production is a whole bunch of stories we've collected from youths around Wellington, and we've kind of dramatised. We've dramatised their stories and put them on the stage so people can get an idea of what it's like and see, like different perspectives and different stories about growing up queer. Right? Right. So, uh, can you tell us a bit about the devising process? Annie, How it how it sort of happened, how you turn these stories into into a play? I certainly can. Um however, I do think Tony might be better at doing that, so [00:01:00] I'm going to pass the buck a wee bit here. So this is this is Tony, who's the director of the play? Do you want to tell us a bit about it? Yeah, sure. Um well, what we worked. I studied Moises Kaufman last year, who was is the director of the Laramie Project, and he worked with a company and, um, took his company down to Laramie, um, and interviewed the whole town. There was a there was a murder of a young gay man, and over two years, the company actors and designers and [00:01:30] himself worked with the residents to find out their stories and then turn them into moments. So that was a process that I wanted to use with the cast and crew or some of the crew as well. So we, um, came and talked with schools out. Um, and you shared your stories. And first of all, we all of us share a wee story that was somehow related to being gay or queer or, um, transgender, or even even straight. So we shared those stories, [00:02:00] first of all, and then reflected, um, as a cast as a company back to each other about those stories and then We took those stories and we made moments. So when we were making moments, we were looking for content and form to create moments. And, uh, we've got 18 moments in the play and we together, you guys, we all created the moments, and then we gave each other feedback on them, so we keep developing them and devising them. So we've devised the play over three months, and even [00:02:30] even two days ago, we were still crafting moments. So you're making, you know, tweaking them. So it's been a really live process, and we've all worked together to give feedback on those moments and to shape the play. And then we had some writers as well, working with us to to work on some of the content. But it's been a total collaborative process, Would you say? Yeah, definitely. I think everyone everyone agree. Yeah. Um, so we we're doing something a bit bit different, um, in in the play, which hasn't been done in a lot of places [00:03:00] before. Which is the clicking. Do you wanna tell us a bit about that? Is, um Well, as we were working on devising moments of the play, we found that as feedback. We were very good at talking on top of one another. So we decided that when we agreed with what someone was saying instead of having to vocalise it, we would click it instead. And so we've decided to incorporate this into our production as well, so that the audience becomes involved with the production. So [00:03:30] when the audience feels that they agree or resonate, relate to what's happening on stage, they click. And the cast not performing in the scene will also be clicking so that we have this resonance within the room between the cast and the audience. Cool. That's exactly right. And I Yeah, um what? What do you think about Annie? Do you think How how do you feel that we sort of, um, incorporating all audience involvement? Because that's one of the primary primary things we're trying to do. Is that right? [00:04:00] Yeah, absolutely. I mean, a lot of the audience is our community, and they've come to support us. And also it's an opportunity for them to play a part in questioning or thinking about some of the stories that come up or moments and, uh, an opportunity to, I guess, to be connected with some of those stories, so Yeah, totally. Um, harry slash Max. Um, can you tell us a bit about, uh, how how the how the devising process has sort of affected you, how [00:04:30] you're surprised by it and how, um, how you feel. It's sort of if if you feel it's impacted on you at all. Um, I think it kind of gave a realisation that we're kind of closer connected than we thought we were before. Like we already knew. We were quite, you know, connected. I realise I can't see my hand gestures, but But, like, I realise that we're all very similar. And we can kind of relate to each other, even even only slightly, You know, like, we've got a more deeper understanding of of each [00:05:00] other as well as ourselves. I think that makes sense. So, um, Tony, can you tell us a bit about, uh, sort of the purpose of the play? What? We're what we are hoping to achieve through the play and why it's important. Yeah, sure. Um, well, I guess I guess if we go back to the original idea for that's so gay, which, um really came from Annie, who is co producing it and then and in it as well. And she, um she's [00:05:30] my partner, but she's also a counsellor and youth worker and she for several years, Um, I guess heard that that phrase that slang kind of term, that's so gay, which really when I hear it feels like a put down. And it's another form of homophobia, really. And, um, it seems to like be quite prolific within, uh, youth culture. Although I've noticed now as well, it's also creeping into adults who are using that. [00:06:00] So, um, originally over a year ago, um, Annie had the idea to create a performance, a play that would tour that was called that so gay to really, um, to challenge that. So we took that idea and then as part of my master's in directing, um, one of the projects I had to do is it was a community project, and the per and we had already come and seen schools out and talked with some of you about a We play. Uh, no, no. A [00:06:30] wee short film that I'd written to get feedback, and I thought, Well, this could be a good job opportunity to work with schools out, which is a community group to, um, show their stories. And and, um and the main purpose of the of the community project is to have the community group being reflected back to itself to help it see itself and hear its voice. So, um, and talking with you guys, what we wanted to do was say, Well, do you wanna do you wanna say something? And do you want to put something on stage? [00:07:00] Um, particularly something through a queer lens or a gay lens or, you know, your your stories. So we were keen to explore homophobia and transphobia. Um, but really, ultimately, it was going to be your stories and what you wanted to say and what you wanted to put on stage. So I guess the P the the main purpose, really is to reflect your stories back to schools out and back to the community. And what it's becoming now is, um I guess the purpose [00:07:30] is to share those stories with each other with the community, the groups who come and see us. But also we are challenging homophobia. We've we've all chosen to keep the name of the players that's so gay. So we really are also, um, challenging that that statement that put down Really? Yeah, but yeah, but doing it in a way that also comes at it in different ways. So maybe people get a bit of an insight into what it's like being a young [00:08:00] person today. Who is gay, lesbian, trans, bisexual, pansexual, asexuals, same sex attracted and exactly. And I I've learned lots, too, through doing it cool. Um, and and do you feel like the play has sort of reached that goal that we've We've done what we aim to do? Um, I absolutely I think one of the big things that I've noticed is the amount of ripple effects that that it that it will generate. So this is a piece [00:08:30] that will be on for maybe three nights. But I know people already are planning to come in groups to see the show and then have discussions after the show. And I think it's about providing an opportunity with this ongoing questioning of terms, Um, exploring different truths, uh, being respectful and, um, just increasing awareness around how hurtful it can be to be on the receiving end end of a pejorative statement like that that really think about what comes after [00:09:00] the word or the words that So what can that word be? So it's just about Yeah, so I think absolutely. And it will continue. So, yeah, um, I know that we had a few issues in, um, trying to stay true to the some of the stories that were told and turning them into, um, theatre moments. So do do you feel like we managed to do that successfully, Kim, I think we did. In the end, um, it again, it wouldn't have happened if we weren't working in collaboration. I think because I think we all, [00:09:30] like, had to come together and realise that we had to portray these stories better. So part way through the process, we actually came to this conclusion, and we changed the stories to make them represent more actually happened and not just give them, like a blatantly happy ending, like so, while that might not sit with some people, on the other hand, we're actually telling what happened and giving, uh, more realistic, perhaps account of what actually happened. I think as well and I'd be interested to hear from the others, too. Is why [00:10:00] we, um Why we towards the end started to, you know, reflect the stories more because I think I've been learning, um, how to devise this kind of theatre. And I think we all have as well, so yeah, maybe as a as a company, too. We've been learning about how to make a moment, how to put something dramatise it. So it's going on stage, but that it also reflects the story. So I mean, I know I've really been learning, but I'll be interested to hear from some of the others as well as about Why? [00:10:30] Why has the process been the way it's been? How how do you feel about that, Max? Um, yeah, I feel I think at first we were more kind of focused on, you know, ideas of the stories, not the stories as what they were. And I think I think it was good that later on we came to the realisation that we needed to more focus on what the stories were because, like even as Tony has said, it's about reflection, and I think we wouldn't have got that reflection as effective if we [00:11:00] took away kind of the essence of what the story really were. So I think that was quite a good thing. So, um, I would you say that the tone of the overall play after after all of this debate about the happy endings or to keep the solemn the solemnness of of the of the stories, how how would you feel that the play comes across? Do you think it's a happy play or a sad play? Or I don't think you can really say that the play is either happy or sad, because every moment has its own unique sort of quality. So there will be sad moments in the play, and there will be [00:11:30] moments of joy and happiness. But overall, I think the play comes together and you feel not necessarily happy or sad, but more that it's completed and that this is what it is, and this is who we are. I think I think that's quite quite an interesting sentiment. You know this. This is who we are, and I think that's that's kind of what the what the players is trying to express. Do you guys agree? Absolutely. And and it's also not, um, like we've talked about having a a gift day at to share. [00:12:00] These are and these are our stories. And, um, it's not to go. These are our stories. Listen, cry here, laugh there. Whatever. You know, all we're doing is opening up our hearts and our minds and sharing that and for me like because when we first told stories, we told them in a circle and we reflected back. And for me, humans have been doing that for aeons. That's what we do share stories. And sometimes we don't get an opportunity to really share stories and be witnessed by others in our [00:12:30] in our culture or in our group. And I think as well that for youth and for queer stories, they often quite quite a lot. Don't get hurt. And don't get put on the main stage. Yeah, and I. I just want to kind of I think the challenge has been at times Is it the process that's important, that drives something, or is it the outcome? And I think that in terms of the process, we we didn't know each other at the very beginning. So even just building trust and get and building relationships within our cast or within our company [00:13:00] means that people have been able to really speak their truth. And there's also been a a challenge between a theatre framework and a community framework. And so it's keeping true to the real essence of those stories. And they are, truthfully, we're truthfully telling those stories right here, right now. And again, if those stories were told in a year's time, things might change our our view of that might change. But we're we're reflecting our stories right here, right now. So, [00:13:30] max slash Harry. Yeah, Um what? What do you think that you will take away from from the process from the devising of the play and the performance? I think friendships for one. Like I met a lot of people that I wouldn't probably meet otherwise and like the way that we kind of bonded in such a short period of time. I found quite remarkable in itself. Um and also I feel not. I feel like I'm [00:14:00] not taking it away, but I feel like I'm helping as a guide for better awareness of issues like we all are like, I think we're doing it in quite. I think as I discussed with my mom, we're doing quite a remarkable thing, and we're all being quite brave. And I have, like, a complete respect for the bravery of like, every one of you. I think it's nice. Would you agree with that? Yeah, I agree. I think that what we are gaining from this play is more what we're giving to everyone else with this play. So we've all [00:14:30] had a chance to share our stories with each other, which gave us the opportunity to know each other better, understand each other better. And that's in turn what we're going to give to the audience, these same stories in a more dramatised way. But the essence is still there, and it's just that we want people to know that we're out there, that there are queer youth who live through these experiences that we have. What about you and gosh, there's a few, um, one being [00:15:00] slightly older than the rest of the cast by about 20 years. But, um uh I think the biggest thing has been about a reminder of, uh, not making assumptions. And I, uh, I have been challenged in this in this process on many levels. Relationship, Um, interrelationship. Being mouthy, knowing when to hold back all of that stuff and working out What is my What's the purpose of this? And so I've been really [00:15:30] hugely admiring of, um maybe a reminder of how ignorant I might have been thinking. I've been really onto it. But the the cast, the people that I've been surrounded by have been a really good upfront challenge for me. And so I I I've taken I will. I'll reflect on this more. I like to think that I've given. But I also have taken a lot from this experience. Yeah. What about you? What do you think you're going to take away from the from the devising process and the performance of the play? Well, time management [00:16:00] for one incredibly hectic, but as well as I agree with Annie, um, I've learned a lot just by working with everyone here and kind of like, Yeah, I've I I thought that I knew, knew a lot about, like, the queer community and whatnot and that I thought that I was like, I don't know, correct like, But then, like learning all these different stories, I realise that there's so much more that I [00:16:30] could know and understand about people. So I think by working with everyone I get, I'm taking out a better sense of knowing people like I don't know, but yeah. So, uh, the place sold out. Yeah. Yeah. Um what are there any plans for? The future of the play is what What's gonna happen from here? Well, that really depends on all of us. And when we began, um, originally, the idea was to go to [00:17:00] school, and, um, but then we had the great opportunity to do it at that. So I think once we have, um, once we've finished, um, we will talk about, you know, as a company, what it is we want to do with the play. I mean, it would be great if we could take it to schools, you know, and then generate some that that they generate some discussion. But, um, we want to be invited to do that, so I mean, it depends on what we're all doing. You know how busy we're [00:17:30] gonna be? I've got to finish my master's and we've got people working, you know, varsity, all sorts of things school. Exactly. Exactly. So, um, who knows? But I'm sure it could potentially have another life somewhere. Yeah, totally. Um, so yeah. What? What? What do you guys feel like? Like the audience will be taking away from this just just to just to wrap up. What? What? What do we hope that someone coming to the play will walk away thinking about? [00:18:00] I think we want them to walk away thinking about what it is that makes up this community. So how all of us interact together with each other and how they can be a part of that too. How involved they are, even if they don't realise that they are with the queer community. Because there's always someone most people will find. They'll always know someone or be related to someone who will be queer. And [00:18:30] that's something that everybody has to learn to, like, work with and accept and grow with. Um yeah and I. I feel because, you know, a lot of people coming are people who will be in support or be, you know, say past members of schools out or facilitators of schools out. You know, people who are connected to the company quite directly. And also, I think, as well as giving us time to reflect it will give them a way to [00:19:00] reflect because say, there'll be a moment and they'll be like, I remember that like I was there when that happened, you know, type thing. So I think it'll be really good way. Just a general reflection for all. I think I hope the audience will be entertained. Um, and kind of Yeah, I like I like to think that that also, um I can't think of the words anymore, but they also get the same ideas or maybe come to different ideas, but just have to think [00:19:30] about it and reflect upon the stories and what it means to them. But get to, um I guess for me it's probably something around pride and, um, being really proud of who you are. And I know that the Youth week, um, slogan this year is something like, Be be proud in your own skin or love the skin you're in. So I think that would be it in a nutshell. Love the skin that you're in and be proud.
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