The Force of Habit

The Force of Habit

A new adaptation of Guillen De Castros Y Bellvis’ classical Spanish comedy.

Directed by Peter Cockett

Black Box Theatre, L.R. Wilson Hall, McMaster University

Dates:

November 11-12, 7.30pm

November 13, 2pm

November 16-19, 7.30pm

November 20, 2pm

This School of the Arts’ mainstage production is a new English adaptation of the 17^th century Spanish original that draws on the rich textual evidence of trans histories, gender fluidity, and queer possibility.

Two siblings are separated at birth due to the violence of their grandfather. Hipolita, who was assigned female at birth, has been raised as male at their father’s side on the battlefields of Flanders. Their sibling Felix, who was assigned male at birth, has been raised in the comfort and luxury of the home under the gentle protection of their mother. When the grandfather dies, the family is reunited, and the parents decide that their children must return to the genders assigned to them at birth. The siblings have other ideas!

CONTENT WARNING: This is a camp comedy but includes parental enforcement of gender roles through emotional abuse and threats of violence. There is foul language, a homophobic slur, and many sexual innuendoes. Audience members are free to leave the theatre at any time.

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