Butch Mermaid Productions Presents ‘Into the Bush’

Let’s get one thing straight: This Play Is Not.

Into the Bush is a rainbow of representation that transforms an Elizabethan play into an hilarious queer circus fantasia.

Into The Bush is a circus theatre adaptation of the play Galathea by John Lyly, a renowned contemporary of Shakespeare. A cross between A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It, the original play features a forest inhabited by gods, nymphs and a pair of cross-dressing lovers who happen to both be female. While the 1588 version had a focus on lesbian desire, which was radical for its time, this contemporary adaptation involves a broader range of LGBTQIA+ identities, reflective of today’s more diverse communities. Into the Bush gives the all-LGBTQIA+ cast a rare opportunity to shine on stage and in the circus ring

“There can be an assumption that modern society invented queerness,” says director Ania Upstill, “but queer and gender diverse people have always existed. The original Lyly play is definitely queer, and we’ve just expanded on that to feature, and celebrate, a wide range of modern LGBTQIA+ identities in our production.”

Upstill, who identifies as non-binary and trans, also sees a need for more LGBTQIA+ stories that feature gender diverse characters. As gender diverse identities become more common, especially among young people, there is also an increasing need for gender diverse representation. Especially, Upstill believes, stories that aren’t about trauma. “Becoming, and celebrating, ourselves doesn’t need to be traumatic. In fact, it can be downright beautiful,” says Upstill.

In order to help support young people, Butch Mermaid Productions are partnering with RainbowYOUTH to turn TAPAC into a rainbow community space. Four workshops over the run of the performances will offer young people the opportunity to try out some circus and theatre techniques used in the show. There will also be a ‘community closet’ for young people to try on gender-affirming clothing, which they get to take home for free.

“I love that we’re taking this chance to turn a play that is nearly 450 years old into a show that uses circus and clowning to celebrate queer identities and support young people through our community space,” says Upstill. Butch Mermaid Productions hope that the show will attract a range of audiences, of all ages and identities. “One of the most amazing things that theatre can do is give you an insight into other worlds. With Into the Bush we’re welcoming our audience into a world where gods hang out and love can strike unexpectedly. Whether you’re gay, straight or wherever in between, this is a love story that all ages can enjoy.”

Into the Bush

TAPAC, 100 Motions Rd, Western Springs
Thursday, May 13th 7:30pm
Friday, May 14th 7:30pm
Saturday, May 15th at 2pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, May 16th at 2pm and 7:30pm
Tickets $35/$25/$15
Book at www.tapac.org.nz