Charlie Josephine is the writer of One of Them Ones, which will be touring the UK from 23rd March to 14th May 2023, kicking off in Ludlow and having its finale in London.
A new play about two siblings living in a rural community trying to get their heads around gender identity. Frankie is desperate to be understood, accepted, loved. But LGBTQ alphabet soup has got Michael’s head spinning. Why’s it gotta be so complicated? Why can’t they understand? Why can’t things go back to the way they always were? Unpicking the complexities of identity and the fierce family love that hopefully holds us together.
Full tour details can be found here
Your new play, One of Them Ones, is heading out on tour, what can you tell us about the show?
‘One Of Them Ones’ is about two siblings who are trying to get their head around gender identity. Frankie is nonbinary, trans masc, they think, the labels kind of do their head in. Their big brother Michael is trying to be supportive but is scared of this whole trans thing. So the play is about their relationship, and about masculinity in a wider context, the gender roles and rules we assign ourselves and each other, and how sometimes they squash us in ways that are damaging. But there’s a lot of laughs too, it’s an uplifting warm joyful piece about fierce family love.
What inspired you to write this play?
I knew instantly that I wanted to write a queer love story. Because the hetero-ghetto is wild right now, especially in the UK, it’s a very challenging time to be trans and queer. But the love is always louder than the fear, and I believe in the power of good theatre. Representation is vital for our mental health. Culture changes culture. We are changed by hearing people’s stories, so I’m excited to share this one. I also really wanted to write something working class, and honest and relatable. This isn’t a rant about identity politics, or queer theory, or patronizing pedagogy about LGBTQ+ issues. These are real people, expressing themselves in a clumsy poetic funny and truthful way,
What did you find most difficult when writing the script?
I always want to find a balance between joy and trauma when writing trans characters. So whilst there is conflict between the characters in this play, because it’s drama, and it’s centred around an argument these brothers had, there are also moments of real joy. Showing a trans character enjoying their body, feeling safe enough to let us see them enjoying the shapes they can make, and enjoy how they’re physically expressing themself – showing that on stage in todays “culture war” is a political act. It’s wonderful to see a human experiencing gratitude for their body, for their sense of self. There’s also fast banter and brutal arguments between these brothers as they wrap their heads around huge questions.
What are you most excited about taking this queer and trans story to rural venues?
I’m really proud of how ambitious this piece is in its theatrical form, it’s really contemporary and bold, and rural audiences deserve that just as much as urban venues. I’m moved by the idea of being of service to one young trans kid who really needs the nourishment of art that represents them. I’m also excited by the idea of opening up conversations between people who perhaps have never met a trans person and have questions but are nervous of saying the wrong thing . We are changed by hearing peoples story, culture changes culture. Perhaps this play will inspire kindness and that excites me.
What’s it been like working with director, Elle While and Pentabus Theatre?
It’s been really great, lots of laughter and full of heart. The whole creative team is fantastic. The creative team is brilliant! Laurie McNamara and Em Thane have found that exquisite balance between emotional vulnerability and take-the-piss-banter.
Elle is holding space beautifully as director, alongside Roni Neale who’s the Associate Director & Queer Consultant. I’m so please that Pentabus have hired Roni, their clever brain and big kind hearted approach to making theatre is invaluable for this piece.
We are also really lucky to be collaborating with the brilliant Azara Meghie, who’s really making some movement magic. Azara is finding a way to open up the subtext and allow all the ugly messy unsaid stuff to leak out of skin as expressive abstract movement. Dan Balfour is our brilliant sound designer, who’s work compliments and enhances Azara’s movment. Jen.L.Roxburgh is making everything look fantastic in gorgeous lighting. Verity Johnson is designing set and costumes, and chucking a few surprises in there to keep us all on our toes. And a fantastic young artist Rye Frankie Larsen has designed the gorgeous art work. What a dream team!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see One of Those Ones?
Book! Now! You’ll love it, I promise. It’s funny and warm and asks big questions without being patronizing or preachy.
