Photo Robin Toma
After saying that Christa Hughes’ 60 minute wham bam terrific Magic Mirror Sydney Festival show could have been stretched a tad, perhaps because of the intensity of that one hour sensational blast, it felt that Tomboy Survival Guide could have been slightly shaved (by 10 or 15 minutes) to pack more punch.
But that’s a quick comment that may not be shared by all. For the most part, Canadian Ivan Coyote delivers an engaging, witty, authentic performance weaving memoire, storytelling with a damn good musical backdrop and punctuation.
The stories revolve around the complexities of gender issues as Ivan, born a woman but feeling a Tomboy, shares intimately an often inspired, often difficult transformation to self acceptance and belonging in a world too often black and white, male and female, either/ or.
There are tender tales of the childhood crushes, first loves and family feuds alongside delicate tellings of strong relationships, inner turmoils and heart wrenching sorrow. There’s also humour, laughter and courageous social and self analysis.
The best part of the show is the hot music that keeps the pulse. Ivan’s band, all self proclaimed Tom Boys are damn good. There’s Sally Zori on punchy percussion, Pebbles Willekes on driving, awakening electric base guitar and Alison Gorman on dreamy, sassy trumpet. And when the Tomboys sing the a capella finale? A choir of angels.
A surprising, complex and touching show who’s message is to encourage people to be themselves despite an often challenging, labelling society.
Finally, it’s Coyote’s poetry that kills us. This is once very impressive, talented spoken word writer and performer.
Check out Ivan’s site here.
Ruby Boukabou
