By: Matthew Kwatinetz

CHAC is thrilled to welcome the Pat Graney Company (PGC) to CHAC in late October. PGC is bringing award winning solo performer Scott Turner Schofield to CHAC for an exclusive limited engagement performance of “Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps”. The audience controls the sequence of events in this titillating – and perpetually changing - true story about one of life’s biggest transitions. Featuring multi-media storytelling and aerial acrobatics. “Choose your own adventure: see this show!” LiveWire chatted with Pat about this show by the critically acclaimed young artist:

LIVE WIRE: Everyone at CHAC is excited about working with you and Scott to host this world premiere performance. What brought this project to your attention?

Pat Graney: I first met Scott at a National Performance Network (NPN) conference a couple of years ago, where I saw an excerpt of his work in a cabaret showcase. It was incredible, and afterwards I met him and thought: wow, he is really doing some pretty edgy stuff involving transgender politics. This is not the sort of PC theatre where you are telling people what you are doing. Scott’s pieces truly embody and express a sensibility with compassion and humor. So I thought to myself: maybe we can do this in Seattle.

LIVE WIRE: What are some of the qualities of Scott’s work that make it unique?

Pat Graney: I believe that he is the first openly transgendered artist to be commissioned for a new work by NPN... [T]he way he approaches stuff is user-friendly—though it does not dumb down at all, he has some really poetic writing in there. Trans related theatre can often be about horrible experiences that people go through—these are important works as well. Scott’s work is horrendous but manages to be funny and wonderful. He comes around to a place of acceptance in the work that I think is interesting.

LIVE WIRE: What makes you personally excited about this work?

Pat Graney: Bringing the disparate communities together, out of normal context: students to come into the environment of professional theatre away from their schools; trans and queer community to come out of the cabarets and dive bars into a theatrical environment. Having those two elements, combined with lectures and performance, will be a nice balance. Not just for a nod to Q&A sessions, but actual exposure to education for our community.

LIVE WIRE: If I have never heard of Scott, or you, and don’t really have a particular interest in Queer or Trans politics, why should I come?

Pat Graney: The bottom line is that it is good theatre, and an interesting take on a younger person’s view of transitioning through the world.

LIVE WIRE: Anything else you want to add?

Pat Graney: Scott is having a long term love affair with Seattle and I hope Seattle has a long-term love affair with Scott!

Sponsored by: National Performance Network, 4Culture, Mayors Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, The Washington State Arts Commission