I Am My Own Wife — Oriel Entertainment Group

Overview

MELT might be well and truly over for 2017; however that doesn't mean that Brisbane Powerhouse won't keep highlighting queer arts and culture all year round. The latest theatre work to grace their stage is I Am My Own Wife, which takes its tale from the real-life plight of a German transgender woman who survived both the Nazis and Communism.

The 2004 Tony Award winner for best play and best lead actor — and Pulitzer Prize winner for drama in the same year, too — was written by playwright Doug Wright based on his conversations with Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. Sharing its name with her autobiography, I Am My Own Wife dives into what it takes to retain your identity under oppression, and to survive as well.

A one-person show is the end result, with Ben Gerrard stepping into Charlotte's shoes for this production. A story like no other and a demanding performance are certain to combine, with Gerrard — who audiences might recognise from TV's Molly and Outland, as well as Wolf Creek 2 on the big screen — not simply playing the main part, but taking on more than 30 characters.

Image: Harvey House Productions.