Playwright
Tarragon Theatre Young Playwrights Unit (YPU) Extended Cohort: 2021
Under the Tuteledge of Makram Ayache and the other YPU members, Rooks completed the first draft of Translating.
Translating is a queer absurd traumedy that delves into the inner workings of an adult dysfunctional family while they attempt to prepare their home for visitors during the christmas holidays. The central character, Child, is an 18-year-old closeted genderqueer oddball who really wants to be famous. Child is home for the first time since going away to university and they are finally feeling like their life has begun. Being home has quickly thrown Child back into old habits and distant memories. In the background Nora, Child’s older sibling, and Mother are having a profound disagreement that has been tearing the family apart. The crux of their argument centres on Transness and second-wave feminism. Nora wants to kick down the gender binary and to be loved while they do it. Mother wants to prove that women are powerful and should be proud of their power. What mentality will win in this emotionally wrought game? Father doesn’t really care as long as he can stay out of the way and get the house clean. Underlying the family drama is a house that is full to bursting and ready to crumble unless someone can fix it in time.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: Translating is a play for multiple generations. Genderqueer, Non-Binary, Two-Spirit, and Trans people of all ages will connect with Child and Nora as they navigate their family relationships and search for identity. Liberal adults and guardians who fought and/or fight for women’s rights will connect with Mother and Father as they process a new and genderless world.
The YPU 2021 Extended Cohort
The first ever YPU Extended Cohort in addition to the core Tarragon Theatre Young Playwrights Unit. This group of 37 young artists were invited to join the central unit for six sessions of generative writing exercises, activities, lessons, and discussion about process, structure, the industry, and more! Educator Makram Ayache provided guidance and dramaturgical education throughout this unit. The Extended Cohort was also given the opportunity to listen to Tarragon’s Acoustic season, an opportunity to connect with each other through a dedicated Slack channel, and a framework for creation/exploration during this creatively challenging time.