Joey Hateley talks about Mister Stokes
Joey Hateley is the Artistic Director of TransAction Theatre which creates innovative cross-cultural performance from the periphery on issues such as identity, inclusion, diversity and empowerment. Joey calls for a world beyond class, race, gender, nationality, disability and LGBTQQIAP boxes; transcending borders of difference through politics of allegiance.
Joey has spoken to Pagelight about 'Mister Stokes: The Man Woman of Manchester' which is being performed at the National Festival of LGBT History on February 27th 2016. Joey plays alongside Jo Dakin in this new play that tells an important story from our past.
"As the Gender Joker, Artistic Director of TransAction Theatre Company, the opportunity to bring a true story of a Victorian trans pioneer to life, in my hometown, is a possibility I never dreamed of. This incredible series of events leaves me especially honoured to play the role of Mister Stokes 'The ‘Man-woman of Manchester'.
"Brought to light by world renowned academics, and then to life by a team of outstanding artists, this witty new tragic-comedy raises awareness and pays tribute to the un-sung stories of trans-men who remain silenced and invisible throughout history. The potential to step through a portal in this timeless Victorian, yet magically modern new work, is as astonishing as it is exhilarating.
"I am proud to speak the unspoken truths of my ancestors in this unique, ore-inspiring project. Participation in LGBT History month brings us together in celebration to ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’, whilst recognising the privilege, equality and safety that many still fight for around the globe. We can find inspiration in how systems that silence, become inverted, so ‘wrongs’ can be re-written, to right the future and create change."
'Mister Stokes: The Man Woman of Manchester' is being performed at the People’s History Museum in Manchester on 27th February at 12:30pm. The event is free to everyone but a donation of £5 is suggested. The 30 minute play is being supported by the Arts Council England and LGBT History Month. It is one of many events celebrating LGBT history and more information about the festival can be found here.
Joey Hateley is a writer, performer, educator and art-activist who creates interdisciplinary experimental performance work. Joey is a female man who has collaborated with diverse organisations such as Casa Trans in Ecuador, trans sex workers in Thailand and has run drama workshops with young people in India, Namibia, Peru and South Africa. Joey’s work tours nationally and internationally, they have devised shows with Peggy Shaw at the Drill Hall London and performed in ‘Drag King Richard the 3rd’ at Bristol Shakespeare festival and most recently, “TranScripts”. More information about Joey’s work can be found here.
