A very raw, rare, and very stunning play is happening right now at Playwrights Horizons on W 42nd Street in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater. Co-produced by Playwrights Horizons and Soho Rep, “Prince Faggot” by Jordan Tannahill is a fictional look at a group of queer and trans individuals who wonder what it would be like if a British prince were to declare that he was gay, and how his treatment would differ from the treatment received by non-royal queer and trans people.
While the play has very humorous moments, there are also some very sensitive ones as the storyline shows situations in which queer and trans individuals are mistreated and targeted by society. Adding to the intensity of this production is the fact that the actors in this production are queer and trans individuals. Blending the storyline with aside monologues about their experiences, this drama will have you riveted. This production truly does not hold back as it graphically discusses sexuality and depicts explicit sex scenes. Tannahill makes sure to let the audience see into queer and trans communities in a way that I have never seen before.
It is disturbing to realize how much society is set up to demean and attack queer people, especially transwomen. Everyone should be able to be comfortable and accepted for who they identify themselves to be. This piece is brave, innovative, and startling to experience. You may find it touches your heart and forces you to realize how society’s mistreatment of these communities impacts individuals’ lives. No one should grow up feeling unaccepted, unseen, and unloved.
The actors are only referred to in the playbill as Performer 1, Performer 2, Performer 3, Performer 4, Performer 5 and Performer 6, as they tell the stories of a vast community. The production definitely shows the distinction as to how the wealthy and rich are protected from close scrutiny of their chosen lifestyle to a point, while the regular person is threatened and can have their lives destroyed. The actors all deliver stupendous performances with great passion and conviction. This stunning cast had the entire packed house mesmerized, and includes; David Greenspan, John McCrea, K. Todd Freeman, Mihir Kumar, N’yomi Allure Stewart and Rachel Crowl. Crowl, Freeman, Kumar, McCrea and Stewart, all making their Soho Rep and Playwrights Horizon debuts and believe me, you won’t forget them or Veasey and Greenspan. This cast gels beautifully.
The direction by Shayok Misha Chowdhury was flawless.The production has a marvelous technical team with scenic design by David Zinn, costume design by Montana Levi Blanco, lighting design by Isabella Byrd, sound design and original music by Lee Kinney and wig and hair design by Cookie Jordan. The production will only play through August 3. It is for mature audiences only. For ticket information visit playwrightshorizon.org.