Sexuality doesn’t discriminate in cabaret

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This article was published 08/11/2019 (2153 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This ain’t Jane Austen.

A cabaret showcasing performers with disabilities, Sex and Sex Ability puts an emphasis on sexuality with contributions by talents local and beyond. This is the third cabaret produced by Sick + Twisted Theatre, the brainchild of Winnipeg performer and director Debbie Patterson, who says the focus on sex goes beyond titillation.

“The more I work around issues of sexuality and disability, the more I recognize that there’s something ableist about the way we try to deny our sexuality or deny our sexual needs in our world,” Patterson says. “I feel like disability has something to teach us all about embracing our basic human needs and embracing our full selves as sexual beings.”

Contributing to that conversation is singer-comedian Ophira Calof of Toronto and Emma Kivisild of Prince Rupert, B.C.

“Ophira runs this improvised soap opera called Generally Hospital, featuring all people with disabilities,” Patterson says. “She’s going to do some cabaret songs. What charmed us was a video she sent with her submission called Porn Like Me, where she sings about how she wishes she could find some porn with people who look like her in it.

“Emma is a performance artist and she has secondary progressive MS, like me,” Patterson says. “So I was excited to work with her. She’s written a piece that explores the difference between intimate touch with a lover and intimate touch with a personal support worker.”

The cabaret will also feature a program of standup, and sketch comedy including contributions by deaf mime troupe 100 Decibels, local comedian Adam Schwartz, performance poet Andrea Von Wichert and drag performer Jude Hayes.

The cabaret will be performed three times this weekend at the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film at the University of Winnipeg: tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Both evening performances will be followed by a catered reception and a DJ dance party.

ASL interpretation will be provided at all performances and the company is also launching a new audio description service for vision-impaired audience members at all performances.

Tickets are $20 and $10 (for lower income) and can be purchased online here.

randall.king@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @FreepKing