Blood, Sweat, and Queers (Live Theater: CZECHIA/USA)

Blood, Sweat, and Queers

By Tomas Dianiška
Translated by Edward Einhorn and Katarina Vizina
Directed by Edward Einhorn

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Language: English

Co-produced by Untitled Theater Company No. 61

Cast: Craig Anderson, Hershel Blatt, Ethan Fox, Jean-Marie Stodolski, Alyssa Simon, Katarina Vizina, and Hennesy Winkler*

Member of Actor's Equity Association 

Stage manager: Berit Johnson
Fight director: JaneAnne Halter
Costume design: Ramona Ponce
Video design: Chris Carcione
Sound design: Becca Silver

A new Czech drama inspired by the life of the successful athlete Zdenek Koubek (1913-1986), celebrated in the sports world of the time as a “wonder woman” and holding several world records in track until he transitioned to male. Together with the main character’s life story, Dianiška’s play also describes the increasing fascism of the 1930s, permeated by homophobia, transphobia and gender stereotypes. One of the most successful plays in contemporary Czech drama, told in absurdist style, it uncovers a deliberately buried story from a century ago with obvious implications for the current day.

Join us for a discussion after the May 26 performance with Chris Harwood about translation, and after the May 30 performance with Michael Waters who will talk about his book, The Other Olympians, which explores Koubek's life along with other athletes of the time who were trans or gender fluid.

Art by Carolyn Raship