Catherine McGregor’s story is a remarkable one, and it is a huge blessing that writer/director Priscilla Jackman has adapted her story for the stage and created a powerful, memorable work that hopefully will be seen by many audiences over the years.
There is an old saying that goes ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ and as I was watching McGregor’s journey unfold I kept on symbolically shaking my head in disbelief, not quite believing how gutsy and quick witted she is.
There were so many stories through the play. She recounts how she was peacefully walking a street in Canberra when some hoons in a car stopped beside her in a car and asked if she would give them all blow jobs. Her retort was immediate and on the money – you give me a blow job first! I believe the car sped off into the night very quickly!
Another story has Cate recounting a phone conversation she had with a Customer Service Operator from Qantas which she was so happy about. She tells of she wanted to board a flight under her name female identity though her passport was still in her old (male) name. The customer service said that this wouldn’t be a problem and that the staff would be instructed to do so.
Priscilla Jackman’s direction was clear and fast paced. Performances were good. The role of Catherine was played by three actors; the brilliant Heather Mitchell is primarily in the role. Andrew Guy played Cate, (then known as Malcolm) as a young boy, and Ashley Lyons was Cate before her transition.
Also in the cast were Nicholas Brown who plays the Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, Chantelle Jamieson who plays Dr Amar and Georgina Symes as Catherine’s friend, Ayla Holdon.
Michael Scott-Mitchell’s set was very effective, Nick Schlieper’s lighting design had many good moments, and Steve Francis’ edgy soundscape was suitably subtle.
I am sure that in the back of everyone’s mind (and heart) who were involved in this production was the hope that the show will eat away at the ignorance factor within society, and enlighten audiences about contemporary approaches to gender, and make people more accepting and tolerant of difference.
Highly recommended, STILL POINT TURNING is playing Wharf 1, Sydney Theatre Company until the 26th May, 2018.