Queer as Flux

Abstract

Director/Dramaturg Associate Professor Leah Mercer in collaboration with Writer/Performer Zac (formerly Stace) Callaghan led a team of artists to co-create, co-produce and direct two seasons of "Queer as Flux": a life-affirming autobiographical one-person show that celebrates transitions of bodies, hearts and minds via stories of gender, sexuality, spirituality, near-death experiences, dementia, dying and interspecies love. Operating at the intersection of the personal and the political Callaghan’s text explores the idea of transitioning and what it means to be Non-Binary in a society obsessed with binaries and fixing what isn’t broken. As the only actor, Callaghan: embodies the autobiographical ‘Stace’ character in pivotal transitional moments from birth to the present; struts the stage as their politically-savvy Drag Queen Fairy-Godmother alter-ego ‘Polly Tickle’ and; evokes the real-life relationship between Callaghan and two omniscient humpback whales that guide ‘Stace’ towards an understanding of the interconnectedness of all species and the importance of living their Truth.

Inspired by the political activism of historical Trans women, drag queens and butch dykes as well as Non-Binary, shape-shifting storytellers, actors and healers, "Queer as Flux" not only queries gender and sexuality binaries but also queers the binaries of human/animal, youth/age, superheroes/mere mortals and broken/fixed. Not just a show for LGBTIQ+ communities, it highlights the commonalities of all beings: the essential understanding that transitioning is an integral part of life. A multi-faceted exploration of fluid identities, it also considers: changing family dynamics including Callaghan's experience of their mother's dementia and their father’s transition to care-giver plus several life-changing accidents, surgeries and personal losses that illuminate the thin line between life/death. As such, "Queer as Flux" pays homage to Queer Ancestors who paved the way and not-so-queer folks who did their best.

This highly-physicalised show employs storytelling, direct address, iconic Queer anthems, soundscape, puppetry and innovative visual storytelling where autobiographical-slideshow meets photoshopped-political-protest. "Queer as Flux" was accepted for inclusion in the nationally-recognised MELT: Festival of Queer Arts & Culture at the Brisbane Powerhouse from 27th – 30th May 2021. This sold-out season was supported by Arts Queensland Showcase program funding. "Queer as Flux" was also accepted for inclusion in the 2021 development season at Perth's Blue Room Theatre. This three-week season from 26th October – 13th November 2021, was met with critical acclaim in multiple published reviews. "Queer as Flux" also featured on ABC Radio National and ABC Perth Drive. Subsequently "Queer as Flux" had a one-week season at the Studio space at The Sydney Opera House from 24th - 26th November 2022 as part of their Unwrapped season and as part of the Midsumma Festival at Theatre Works in St. Kilda from 30th January - 3rd February 2024.