Christopher Cayari
Pictures at a Gender[*] Exhibition
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 revue that blends music with autoethnography, 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.
What are people saying about Pictures?
Sadie Hochman-Ruiz, Assistant Professor of Music at Harper College, commended it as a "wonderful blend of accessible and educational." She believed Dr. Cayari brings the audience into their autoethnographic inquiry, allowing viewers to follow along as they explore gender from a vocalist's perspective. Hochman-Ruiz added that the show is suitable for audiences with or without experience in music research. She also highlighted the "captivating costumes," "well balanced" staging, and "very memorable" songs. Furthermore, she described Dr. Cayari as "highly personable," stating that her students were "thrilled to meet them and talk about the show".
Ari Agha, a trans performer and creator, expressed that it felt "amazing to see Chris's unabashed performance" in "Pictures at a Gender[*] Exhibition". Agha emphasized the rarity of representations of trans people in performance, especially those told from a trans perspective by a trans person. Witnessing the performance allowed Agha to see some of their own experiences on stage and observe a "warm and wonderful welcome by the audience".
Chase R. Bait, a drag performer, described watching Dr. Cayari, also known as SiXter ParrraDee, on stage as "nothing short of magic". Sister Chase R. Bait noted Dr. Cayari's stage presence as "equal parts diva, dreamweaver, and divine disruption". They praised Dr. Cayari's "vocals, vulnerability, and more charisma than a theater camp on espresso," and how Dr. Cayari shared their story with "heart, humor, and high fashion".
Book Dr. Cayari for an Event or visit
Dr. Christopher Cayari is a researcher, performer, and consultant that will come to your institution, event, or workshop. Click on one of the arrows below the pictures and descriptions below to start dreaming about bringing Dr. Cayari to your school, organization, or event. You can email them directly by clicking here.