Articles in Anchorage
Margaret Cho’s Beautiful Tour in Anchorage – Tickets On Sale 4/4
“I want to explore the nature of beauty. What is funny and scary about it, why we often don’t feel beautiful because our society’s standards are so rigid and unattainable,” said Margaret.
Anchorage Women Dance the Night Away
"Becoming a Man" in Anchorage
“I was born female.
I came out a lesbian.
Then I came out transgender.
Now, with legal changes and hormones, I live my life as a man.
I identify (pretty much) as a straight man.
But, mostly, people read me as a gay man.
That’s female, male, lesbian, gay, straight (but not narrow), and trans.
I live all of those facets of my identity, and make art about them.”
— From the desk of Scott Turner Schofield
Scott Turner Schofield, the first openly trans artist to be commissioned by the National Performance Network, is in Anchorage this week to perform “Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps” at Out North.
“Becoming a Man” presents true stories of Schofield’s personal transformation, including an army recruitment office where he tries to enlist and then “tells,” and a confrontation with his biological father.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Invited into the world of a childhood fort, the audience picks which of the 127 stories they want to hear. The stories focus on Schofield’s transition from female to male, exploring his origins, childhood and young adult life as a transgender person. Sometimes funny, sometimes shockingly honesty, these scenes last from 30 seconds to five minutes, featuring multi-media storytelling, aerial acrobatics and a decoder ring.
“Becoming a Man” is rated for Mature Audiences due to nudity, language and sexuality.
“There is full nudity, and it is the most un-controversial aspect of the show, though of course nobody will admit that until after they’ve seen it,” writes Schofield from his home in Atlanta, Georgia. “It’s a matter-of-fact primer on transgender surgeries done with lipstick and a trans body that is (gasp!) comfortable with itself.”
Contradictions and Comedy
Schofield has been the featured performer for events such as Unity Week, National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Rememberance, Pride and even Women’s History Month. His recently published book, Two Truths and a Lie, combines all three of his autobiographical plays.
Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls called him, “A provocative and compelling storyteller. [Schofield] helps us to look at gender in a new way, face our prejudices, and have fun while doing it.”
During a one week residency in Anchorage, Schofield will appear on radio shows, guest lecture a Women’s Studies class, and co-present theater workshops with director Steve Bailey.
The radio schedule includes Thursday 8:30 am on 90.3 KNBA with host Danny Preston, Friday 1 p.m. on 91.1 KSKA’s Stagetalk with host Mark Muro, and Friday 3 pm on 88.1 KRUA with host Caroline Willis.
Established in 1985 as Out North, VSA arts of Alaska provides a forum for underrepresented artists, especially artists with disabilities, artists of color, gay/lesbian/bi/trans artists, and social activist artists.
“Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps” plays Thursday March 27 through Saturday March 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday March 30 at 4 p.m. at Out North, 3800 DeBarr Road. Tickets are $19 online and $20 at the door. Student rush tickets are $10 at the door with student ID.
Watch the trailer and visit Underground Transit for more on Scott Turner Schofield.
This Weekend in Anchorage
From the newsletter Alaska GLBT News (subscribe)
Becoming A Man in 127 EASY Steps 3/27-29 at 7 p.m. & 3/30 at 4 p.m.
Transgender performer Scott Turner Schofield brings his 127 step program on becoming a man in America. “I was born female. I came out ..” Read the article and Watch the trailer. $19 online, $20 at the door. Out North
Menopause the Musical 3/27 – 3/30 & Cast Party 3/27, 7:30 p.m.
Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance. Join Planned Parenthood of Alaska on 3/27: the $65.00 package includes a show ticket and a reception with the cast at Café Savannah. Details: Planned Parenthood of Alaska. On the Menopause site, check out the trailer. For tickets: CenterTix (907) 263-ARTS.
TLFMC Last Saturday Brunch 3/29, 10:30 a.m.
This month’s TLFMC Last Saturday Brunch is held at the Sunrise Grill & Pancake House, 8201 Old Seward Hwy. Contact: Road Captain.
ICOAA Beach Party 3/30, 6 p.m.
ICOAA Beach Party with live rock, country and blues music by EverReady. $10 Mad Myrna’s.
The Witnesses 3/31
The Bear Tooth Theaterpub and Four A’s present The Witnesses, a movie directed by André Téchiné. “The time is 1984. The place is Paris. A young, handsome man . . .” More, plus a trailer.
This Weekend in Anchorage
From Alaska GLBT News (subscribe)
Divas of the North Review 3/20, 8 p.m.
The Alaska Native Aurora Society will be holding a fundraiser drag performance and auction to benefit the Aurora society and honor National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Kodiak Bar & Grill, 225 E. 5th Ave. Anchorage.
2nd National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Reception 3/20, 6-8 p.m.
This public reception features Native dancers and speakers, including Miss Alaska and Miss World Eskimo Olympics. The first ever Breaking the Silence Award will be awarded to activist and leader, Ella Outwater, for her commitment to improving the lives of Alaska Native people. Sponsored by Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s HIV Prevention Program. Anchorage Marriott Downtown, 820 W 7th Ave.
For Our Kids – Fundraiser for Make a Wish Foundation 3/22, Show 9 p.m.
Empress Mary Bess, Empress Chanel and ICOAA present For Our Kids – a Fundraiser for Make a Wish Foundation, Summer Camp for Kids. Auction, finger foods, show. $10. Mad Myrna’s
Adam and Steve 6th Annual Birthday Celebration 3/22, 6:30 p.m.
Join Adam and Steve’s 6th Annual Birthday celebration. The theme is Playboi Club and Casino, featuring casino style games, food and a silent auction, at the Snow Goose Restaurant. Tickets are $20 each or table of 8 for $140. All proceeds benefit Adam and Steve, the Four A’s HIV prevention program for young gay, bisexual and questioning men ages 18-29. Contact Chrissy
MCC Easter Sunday, 3/23, 2pm
We will celebrate with special performances by our choir and other musical guests, followed by a Potluck dinner. All members and friends of MCC are encouraged to attend!