By Meghan Power
As a professional researcher, with a PhD in Sociology, Ari began to think about creating a performance/research piece that would map the impact that testosterone would have on their voice. “I envisioned Key of T as a way to help other trans folx who might also be struggling with that decision. In that first iteration, I partnered with Dr. Laura Hynes, and together, we created an interdisciplinary show documenting my experience, which premiered in 2019.”
When Ari began revisioning Key of T, they realized they wanted to incorporate audience engagement — broadening the focus from Ari’s story, to make it a story about the ability everyone has to find genderful freedom and joy in their voices. “I could not have done the work of reimaging Key of T without funding from Calgary Arts Development (CADA). Thanks to CADA, I was able to attend a seven-day intensive workshop with internationally renowned performance-art troupe, La Pocha Nostra.The workshop helped me deepen my embodied practice, which has been central to both my work as a singer and to the practice of reimagining this show. I also attended the 26th annual International Pedagogy & Theater of the Oppressed conference, where I was able to try out various techniques for audience engagement.”
Ari was also able to use a portion of funding to partner with dramaturg and director, Robert Farid Karimi (they/he). “Partnering with Karimi allows me to create the reality I always saw for this show. They are giving me the tools and courage to make it truly interactive. Making the audience an active part of the show — co-creators with me. It’s exhilarating and a bit terrifying, but so much fun! Also performing in the show is pianist Mackenzie Lyn Marr (she/her).
“I share the experience of my singing voice transition with testosterone to reveal under-explored possibilities of voice for everyone, regardless of gender identity. My hope is that people who attend the show will hear themselves anew, create community, and find joy!” Key of T will premiere at the 2024 GALA Choruses Festival, an LGBTQ+ chorus festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“This is a very scary time to be transgender in Calgary, in particular, Alberta, and more broadly, across North America. I have experienced threats and harassment all over the world because I am trans, which makes CADA’s support so important in making space for me, a trans person, to share my story and create a community of trans joy, love, and freedom.”
With this latest iteration of Key of T, Ari feels that they are launching themselves into the next phase of their career as a social justice performer. “I’m sharing what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown with Calgary and the world — Thank you!”