Campy. Heartfelt. Insane. Kinky. Raw. You may find it more relatable than you would like to admit.
WHAT?
Men are Trash... is a semiautobiographical solo show written and performed by Felipe Luz, and directed by David H. Parker. After yet another heartbreak, a gay man dives headfirst into Grindr. Inspired by his idol, Lana Del Rey, he simultaneously obsesses over his latest situationship, while trying to hook up his pain away. This is an unapologetic examination of the complexity of relationships and (self)love.
WHY?
"Men are Trash and I’m a Raccoon" is an exploration of love, sex, and self-discovery. I first wrote it in 2023 at Ohio University, where I earned my MFA. As a Queer Brazilian artist, I've always struggled finding material that represented me. It seemed like all I had access to didn't fully resonate with my subjectivity; it was either too heteronormative, too eurocentric, or it simply didn't speak to my artistic sensibilities. I then decided to create a show that showcased and challenged my artistic voice. Through it's developmental process (a staged version at OU and two staged readings, one in Ohio and one in New York), I was delighted to find that this work also speaks a lot to others - especially women, the Queer community, and people of color. More than that, this play offers a very personalized reflection on how marginalized groups love. Marginalized groups are often deprived of romantic love - and when you’re withheld from something you always craved, you’re going to be constantly terrified of losing it when you get it. Having a queer latine talking about love and sex onstage is revolutionary, as we’re often denied affection, ownership over our sexuality, and the right to tell our stories - especially in the current political climate of the USA.
HOW
We already booked a venue for the next iteration of this story, and Men are Trash... will have its first NYC 3-shows run in April at The Rat, an eclectic performance venue featuring indie theatre and comedy shows, complemented by a bar setting in DUMBO, Brooklyn. As emerging theatermakers, we need financial support to secure this production. By securing $500 we'll be able to cover production costs (such as light & sound design and operation), and invest in marketing & promotional material. This will also ensure that we make our mark in the NYC indie scene and latch this project onto more enterprises. We really believe in this story, and we were happy to connect with audience members who feel the same way.
ANOTHER REASON TO DONATE...
This fundraiser is also a pre-sale. For every $20 you donate, you get 1 ticket to watch a performance of the show at The Rat this spring. The show will run from April 11 through April 13, always at 7:30 pm. Bar opens at 7.
WHO ARE WE?
FELIPE LUZ (he/they) is a Brazilian multi-hyphenate who hates writing his bio - although he's just self-centered enough to write a solo show. He has an Acting MFA from Ohio University and an Acting BFA from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. Felipe is passionate about telling stories that exceed labels and push boundaries. He is a Miranda Family Fellow, and a Gemini sun/rising with a Cancer moon. Do with that what you will. website / instagram
DAVID H. PARKER (they/them) has 10 years in the industry under their belt. They have directed or collaborated with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actors, as well as Princess Grace, Audelco, and OBIE-winning artists. Bringing honor to Birmingham's name, David has helped steward over $200,000 in Southern communities in and related to Birmingham. Intersectionality informs the base of their work, but the intersection of Blackness and Queerness is always at the top of their priorities. Most recently, David worked on the Broadway transfer of "Fat Ham" (Geffen Playhouse), "Guess Who..." (co-dir. Zhailon Levingston), "Hadestown" (Broadway/SDCF Shadow). David holds a Master of Fine Arts from UCLA and is the Co-Artistic Director of the Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective. website / instagram
Thank you for your interest! More information about the show (and a recording of its very first version) in the following link: https://felipeluz4.wixsite.com/felipe-luz/menaretrash
