This Fringe, drag artist Nelly Kelly presents the world premiere of their timely, mischievous and political new work Transmission. It blends political theatre, DIY cabaret and male impersonation to explore Scotland’s shift from world-leading around LGBT+ rights to becoming fertile ground for the anti-trans movement.
Can you talk about some of the creative team involved (director, writers, collaborators etc.)?
Myself (Nelly Kelly) , K. Biff Nicolson and Susan Worsfold have co-created Transmission together in what feels like quite a unique way, with Susan bringing to the work her expertise as Directing collaborator and Biff bringing their expertise as Creative Access Collaborator.
They have worked collaboratively and intricately through the devising and creation of Transmission to co create the show with brilliant collaborators Frankie Mullholland (movement), Elliot Webster-Mockett (integrated BSL interpreter), Rhys Cook (sound design), Emma Jones (lighting design), and a glorious team brought together by Sanctuary Queer Arts who have supported this show since its inception and early development.
Looking at this production, how would you say it links to previous work personally and Thematically?
The majority of my theatre work since about 2017 has been focused on platforming trans content, whether that be trans characters, stories, rights related issues, or all of the above. It’s the passion and commitment to broadening trans representation that keeps me writing theatre I think, because I know it’s important. My drag and male impersonation work has very much felt like light relief over the years for myself more than anything, a space to laugh and let go. I’d say Transmission is a great coming together of those realms.
Why is this an important story to tell?
Even people living in Scotland seem mostly unaware of the huge impact that specifically Scotland based gender critical movements have had on the massive spike in Transphobia currently experienced in the UK and across the West. Platforming Transmission at the largest international arts festival in the world feels vital when it comes to reflecting on that impact and interrogating the potential this and any kind of divisiveness we’re seeing culturally right now has when it comes to being politically exploited.
What would you like audiences to take away from seeing you/this production at the Fringe?
I want the show to be felt more than I want it to be thought about, because I think we’ve all become so desensitised in so many ways to the world around us right now. I’d like the audience to feel a sense of togetherness by the end, to be reminded that we’re all messy humans and that coming together in imperfect ways is needed right now.
How do you feel about the current arts landscape in your country and your part in it? Does it excite you and inspire you to keep pushing the boat out?
I fear deeply for the arts landscape in Scotland right now. As major cultural institutions close and are sold off, and funding is further and further constricted, I, like so many other artists in Scotland, wonder where there will be to make and present work in the future and how we will be able to sustain ourselves financially in order to keep going.
Each year we see less and less brilliant work by Scottish artists at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe already, and I fear that number will only dwindle still, which is why Showcases like Made in Scotland (the showcase Transmission is a part of), are essential for keeping Scottish work alive at the Fringe.
Have you got your eye on any other shows that are part of the programme?
I am very much looking forward to seeing Bunny! By Glasgow based artist Craig Manson, also in the Anatomy Lecture Theatre in Summerhall (at 22:15, 6th – 31st August). I saw a sharing of it at Buzzcut in Glasgow months ago and thought it was hilarious, so I can’t wait to see where Craig’s taken it since then!
Anything else?
Transmission is a darkly comedic and tender-hearted work that examines how public perception of trans people is shaped – not by trans voices – but by ‘single issue’ campaigners, political footballing and media distortion. Hilarious, curious and deeply human, through satire, drag and theatrical provocation, audiences will meet Freedom Party leader and founder of the Scots Mission ‘Big Jimmy’ who is here to tell people how to ‘keep yur grannies safe and Make Scotland Cis Again!’
Transmission, Summerhall, 18-23 Aug (not 20), 7.15pm