Define Queerness theatre review: Radiating queer joy
Incorporating interviews with queer couples, this piece of verbatim theatre celebrates different experiences of queerness and forges a space for community and individuality
An umbrella term for those outside traditional heterosexual norms, queerness isn’t easy to define; this promising show settles for expanding the audience’s overall understanding of what queerness might be for people today. This is a work by the Toronto-based Define Queerness Collective, created and performed with some sincerity by Charlie VanStone and Grey Baker. Define Queerness isn’t elaborate; it’s a straight-up two-hander described as a ‘verbatim theatre production’. In practice, that means VanStone and Baker play various characters who were interviewed while the show was being conceived, and then literally say the words their subjects provided, even down to imitating a distinctive laugh.
At this point in history, queerness finds itself demonised for monetary gain on social media in posts designed to foster hate for anyone different from the supposed norms. A show like this offers a helpful antidote to that kind of negativity and giving a platform to unheeded voices can only help increase understanding. Define Queerness articulates real feelings with tact, sensitivity and pride, offering a rigorous, fearless performance right down to the no-nonsense on-stage costume changes.
Define Queerness, Venue 13, until 29 August, 7.45pm.