In her autobiographical glam rock musical, Shakina recounts a moment from her trip to Thailand, where she cared for formerly-abused elephants. Accompanied by some very charming puppetry designed by Iain Gunn, Bridget Rountree and Animal Cracker Conspiracy Puppet Co., she sings of hope and the persevering idea that “spirits don’t break.”
That trip to Thailand served as a pilgrimage for Shakina, where she sought gender-affirming surgery. “Manifest Pussy” is described as a “rock concert/standup special/ritual sacrifice,” and for 80 minutes, we learn of Shakina’s life and struggles with self-identity.
“Manifest Pussy” began as a cabaret-style performance in previous iterations, but as the inaugural show of Diversionary Theatre’s 40th season, the musical has evolved into a full-fledged live theatrical production, complete with costume changes, colorful lighting, projections, and a stellar live band. The show is funny and powerful, with more than enough catchy songs to keep your toes tapping along. Shakina’s life story and her wonderful storytelling make for a great production that Diversionary has successfully brought to the stage.
Directed by Diversionary Artistic Director Sherri Eden Barber, the show is clearly a labor of love from all those involved. The show is written and performed by Shakina, but features collaborative songs from Shaina Taub (Tony-winner for “Suffs”), Michael R Jackson (Tony & Pulitzer winner for “A Strange Loop”), Sam Salmond (“Eighty-Sixed”), Joe Iconis (“Be More Chill”), Zoe Sarnak (“Empire Records”), Joel Waggoner, Nikko Benson, Julianne Wick Davis (“Trevor,” “Southern Comfort”), Lauren Marcus and Teresa Lotz.
While many of us may be familiar with the idea of trans rights, not everyone is aware of what really goes into identifying as trans and undergoing gender-affirming surgery. The adult-oriented production is informative in that regard, and thanks to some hilarious projections designed by Nick Hussong and Sierra, we learn all about the ins and outs (literally) of transitioning to a different gender.
The set, designed by Clifton Chadick, is elegant and minimalist, with sheer fabrics serving as a canvas for the aforementioned projections and as backdrops for Sammy Webster’s colorful lighting design. The band, led by Music Director Jacob Yates, sat right on stage alongside Shakina. The entire production is wonderfully intimate, as most of Diversionary’s works usually are.
In the program, Director Sherri Eden Barber writes, “At a time when the trans community is most at risk, it felt essential to begin our milestone season with a work that centers trans joy, resilience, and humanity. To me, theatre at its best doesn’t just reflect the world, it insists on a world where stories like Shakina’s are seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Shakina’s work and performance, alongside Diverisionary’s direction and production, have given the San Diego LGBTQ+ community and its allies a wonderful show to see and celebrate.
“Manifest Pussy” has been extended to Oct. 19. Tickets and additional information are available at diversionary.org/manifestp.
(Photo Credit: Xingyu She)
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