Pictures at a Gender[*] Exhibition

A Series of Musical Theater Vignettes about Gender [Non-Conformity]

Written and Performed by Christopher Cayari

Costumes by Anthony Sirk | Photos by Eli Craven | Color Design Consultation by Petronio Bendito

Funded in part by a CREATE grant from the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University

What is Pictures at a Gender[*] Exhibition?

Pictures at a Gender[*] Exhibition is an hour-long musical theater review that blends music with creative writing, art, and theater. The research question was: How might a genderfuck (the researcher’s gender identity, which for them is a gender non-conforming identifier that is fluid between masculine and non-binary) individual understand their gender identity through the exploration of musical theater repertoire? The vignettes in this show focus on gender roles in vocal music education and performance; performative gender roles in society; pleasing others versus living for oneself; pursuing one’s true gender; the presentation of gender and its fluidity; and living beyond others’ expectations.

How is Pictures at a Gender[*] Exhibition relevant to education and schools?

Many educators have a desire to support their trans students in the classroom (Silveira & Goff, 2016), but a common experiences is that teachers do not feel adequately equipped with the knowledge or preparation to address issues trans students face in the classroom (Case & Meier, 2014). However, the prevalence of stories from people in marginalized communities within music education literature and the classroom will help music teachers and students better understand the experiences of others (Sauerland, 2022). Thus, educators should hear and amplify the stories of trans musicians regarding they navigate school, performance, and musical professions.