Courtney Rose Brown
Kazoos are placed on the tables which are ours to use for the expression of self, a performance of identity through music rather than terminologies. Something Michelle/Ryan (Ren Lunicke) reminds us is that gender and sexuality are fluid and constantly changing, and with that so do our musical notes. “Ze”: Queer as Fuck! is about the seven life discoveries that Michelle/Ryan has about zir own relationship to sexuality and gender. Ze encourages us to explore our own and to take our time with it.
Performed at Ivy Bar, “Ze”: Queer as Fuck! is part of this year’s Fringe Festival. While performing at Ivy gives a queer performer a comfy home, sight lines are difficult at the start, with what feels like every queer in the area, are eagerly crammed in to see Ze: Queer as Fuck! Michelle/Ryan bursts onto the stage, clad in workout gear and a giant purple strap-on. As ze glides through a Sun Salutation, the dildo wobbles obscenely. But a lot of the more comedic movements are lost for those not at the front. As the performance moves into personal testimony, however, the sight lines become less of an issue because once the show kicks off as there is less floor movement.
Michelle/Ryan’s performance is heartfelt and zir energy is endless. I enjoy how ze really sit in the hard emotions, particularly around heartbreak and rejection. It gives a moment of self reflection for zir theatrically and for us individually. Then quickly ze can catapult straight back into the bellyaching comedy that alongside the facts is essential to the show.
Ze are not claiming to be a “gay voice for all” but a gay voice that encourages all to speak out about their lives and yell it with pride. Ze is a self-proclaimed queer evangelist on the importance of dismantling shame, especially shame around sexuality and gender. Michelle/Ryan’s indecision at every discovery is raw and beautiful. As each life discovery brings zir closer to understanding zirself, it also creates friction with the communities ze has worked so hard to build. “How can I be a lesbian when I enjoy pegging dudes?” This gets a lot of laughs. I think mainly as a release of tension, as many in the audience know what it's like to not quite fit into any given box (so to speak). Ze is preachy, but in a be ‘who you are’ sort of way, rather than a ‘belong to these labels’ straight/gay/pansexual/lesbian/trans/bi mentality (unless you find them useful!)
Ze: Queer as Fuck! is an uplifting experience. It is so exciting to see a queer show that has so much hope in it! I recommend checking the show out whether you’re queer or however you choose to identify; there’s something everyone could learn. Michelle/Ryan gives a raw honest insight into zir experience in a humbling one hour show. Ze encourage non-judgemental discourse around sexuality and gender through zir raw vulnerability and strength. A highly skilled and charismatic performer, I admire zir energy and strength for performing the show.
Michelle/Ryan’s performance is heartfelt and zir energy is endless. I enjoy how ze really sit in the hard emotions, particularly around heartbreak and rejection. It gives a moment of self reflection for zir theatrically and for us individually. Then quickly ze can catapult straight back into the bellyaching comedy that alongside the facts is essential to the show.
Ze are not claiming to be a “gay voice for all” but a gay voice that encourages all to speak out about their lives and yell it with pride. Ze is a self-proclaimed queer evangelist on the importance of dismantling shame, especially shame around sexuality and gender. Michelle/Ryan’s indecision at every discovery is raw and beautiful. As each life discovery brings zir closer to understanding zirself, it also creates friction with the communities ze has worked so hard to build. “How can I be a lesbian when I enjoy pegging dudes?” This gets a lot of laughs. I think mainly as a release of tension, as many in the audience know what it's like to not quite fit into any given box (so to speak). Ze is preachy, but in a be ‘who you are’ sort of way, rather than a ‘belong to these labels’ straight/gay/pansexual/lesbian/trans/bi mentality (unless you find them useful!)
Ze: Queer as Fuck! is an uplifting experience. It is so exciting to see a queer show that has so much hope in it! I recommend checking the show out whether you’re queer or however you choose to identify; there’s something everyone could learn. Michelle/Ryan gives a raw honest insight into zir experience in a humbling one hour show. Ze encourage non-judgemental discourse around sexuality and gender through zir raw vulnerability and strength. A highly skilled and charismatic performer, I admire zir energy and strength for performing the show.
