Taylor Mac on Queer Up North
Taylor Mac is an actor, performer, and writer; a true theatre artiste. His current play, The Young Ladies Of… opens the queer up north festival in Manchester. As an American, he has become fond of the UK, performing on the BBC’s Culture Show, BAC and Manchester previously at Queer Up North. We caught up with him to find out his views on the festival itself, his new show and UK audiences.
Hi Taylor, this is not your first appearance at queer up north. What draws you to the festival?
Nothing better than hanging out with a bunch of queers and sharing ideas and glitter. I’m especially excited about this year because instead of zooming in and out again (as I’ve done in the past) I’ll actually get to spend some quality time in Manchester, partake in other aspects of the festival (rather than just my show), and I’m even teaching a workshop for the youths.
Some might say what’s the point to this festival? What would you say?
Some people think being queer is not a struggle and, as it’s so ingrained in our culture, we don’t need a festival. I’ve always felt festivals were more useful as a tool of celebration and community reflection than political action. Woodstock didn’t change things politically in the US but it was a lot of fun for a lot of people and made them happy they were alive. Not too shabby.
If you had to recommend something to see at the festival apart from your act, what would it be and why?
Well Novice Theory and Our Lady J will be playing the Spiegeltent and they are both extraordinary. I also want to check out Ursula’s new piece.
What can audiences expect from your show?
Theatricality, glitter, songs, puppets, The Carousel Walt, an intellectual pursuit along side the lowest humour known to man, personal risk, and hopefully a good time.
The Young Ladies Of…. is so much more than costumes and quips. How have audiences reacted to the central theme of loss elsewhere?
Well to me the play is not about loss but about the desire to know and be known. To be recognized and acknowledged and do the same for others. It’s about putting yourself out into the world no matter the response or lack of response. There is a theme of loss that encapsulates the piece to a degree but loss certainly isn’t the driving issue. As far as how they respond to the play: I’ve gotten more emails/letters from audience members about this piece than any other play I’ve written/performed. It’s been a profound experience.
What do you like about performing in the UK?
You guys are like aliens to me (which I love). You’re so different from Americans and yet, because we come from you, there’s an expectation that you’ll be similar. There’s always a question mark when I go out on stage in the UK. I can’t assume what the audience is going to be like so I’m forced to take in the moment. Also Brits respect the theatre and feel at home in it so it’s fun to mess the home up. For the most part the UK audiences are game for a good mess.
What are your plans, following the festival?
I’m workshoping my new play at the Sundance Institute in Utah and then come home to New York to start rehearsal for the production in the fall. It’s a five-hour epic extravaganza with forty people in it (all dressed as flowers), which, you can imagine, is quite a break from the solo-shows I’ve been touring. My hope is that, rather than touring that show, called The Lily’s Revenge, we’ll bring the script and working model to the UK and work with local artists in creating a new production.
-Glenn Meads
Taylor Mac is at the Library Theatre from Tues 12- Sat 16 May as part of queer up north which runs from 12- 25 May.
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