Tickets available here : https://cincyfringe.com/gender-fck/
I have to say that there are few pleasures as nice as seeing young actors go for it.
This piece is absolutely filled to the brim with conviction. The performers here are tackling a difficult subject matter but they're doing it with such enthusiasm and passion that it's easy to get wrapped up in.
This show tackles the gender spectrum and as such dives into a wide range of issues that anyone who's had a gender struggle will relate to. Everything from gender confusion, deadnames, terfs, dysphoria - the shear breadth of information they manage to tackle is exceptional. The fight they do is commendable even if the delivery doesn't always live up to the standards they set for themselves.
There are many set ups that aren't fully realised. The opening starts with a nature documentary parody of “the emergence of a young queerling”, which is quickly abandoned in favour of a school teacher metaphor with “Mx. Frazzle” taking on a teacher role, which then transitions into a more traditional plot that then goes back and forth between edutainmental to straight plot. (Using the term straight play ironically of course)
While all the pieces work, the overall plot can feel a bit incoherent and I'd have loved to see them all tied together into one cohesive framing device throughout. As it stands there is nothing wrong with what they're doing, but there is plenty of room to tighten it up in a more cohesive package.
The actors are all quite open and willing for the challenge. Each is present and fully open and willing to participate in the challenges. There is a slight issue with actors sometimes defaulting to screaming which can be a bit problematic for people like me with auditory processing issues, but you can't blame the Actors for pursuing their choices with reckless enthusiasm.
Gender is a big topic and the fact that they pack as much as they do in a small compact package is impressive and commendable. At times it can come across a bit heavy handed but with the state of politics in the world, and especially in America, the fact that this exists is important, integral and needed now more than ever.
While the structure could use a bit of fine tuning (and as an aside, a lot of this was hindered by a malfunctioning prop which they had to work around) overall gender fuck is a bold new work for the next generation that aspires to greatness and touches upon an important topic in a dynamic and delightful way.
PROS:
Great message, great energy, great cast
Nature documentary mockumentary opening is absolutely hilarious
Youthful enthusiasm and fun dynamics between the cast
CONS:
Could benefit from a more coherent story to string the vignettes together
Subject matter will be brushed aside by those who need to see it most
Betrayed by their props
Often loud noises that can be distressing to those with audio sensitivity