SEX VARIANTS
n their latest venture, The Civilians mine an extraordinary archive to reveal the intimate lives of Depression-era queers.
Co-conceived by writer/director Steve Cosson and multimedia artist Jessica Mitrani, and co-written by James La Bella Sex Variants of 1941 is a kaleidoscopic fantasia adapted from a medical study of queer sexuality. Drawing on the study’s explicit interviews, pseudoscientific analysis, “medical” diagrams, and glossary of era-specific slang, the company uses scenes, songs, and striking visuals to celebrate an undersung community—and subvert the pathologizing gaze of the medical establishment.
Featuring original songs by star composers Stephen Trask, Aaron Whitby, Martha Redbone, and the late Michael Friedman. Sex Variants paints a radically candid portrait of queer America in the 1930s. Racy bits and all.
Based on the Book by George W. Henry
Written and directed by Steve Cosson
Co-writer James La Bella
Co-conceived with Jessica Mitrani
Original music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, Aaron Whitby, Martha Redbone, and Michael Friedman
The cast includes Whitney Andrews, David Greenspan, Robert M. Johanson, Jo Lampert, Irene Lucio, and Heath Saunders
Music Director/Keys/Bass Matt Duncan
Guitar/Keys Matt Katz-Bohen
Drums Gintas Janusonis
Movement Director Sean Donovan
Dramaturgs Jocelyn Clark, Melissa Hardy, Phoebe Corde
Set Designer David Zinn
Costume Designer Emily Rebholz
Lighting Designer Amith Chandrashaker
Sound Designer Drew Levy
Video Designer Jessica Mitrani
Associate Video Designer Attilio Rigotti
Associate Set Designer Oscar Escobedo
Associate Costume Designer Maeve Rose
Associate Lighting Designer Stoli Stolnack
Associate Sound Designer Brandon Bulls
Music Supervisor Wiley DeWeese
Producer Margaret Moll
Associate Producer Melissa Hardy
Casting Consultant Geoff Josselson, CSA
Production Stage Manager E Sara Barnes
Assistant Stage Manager Aisling Galvin
Assistant Director Sammy Zeisel
Music Assistant Nick Kassoy
Production Manager Libby J’Vera
Technical Director Steven Brenman
Assistant Production Manager Sophie Larin
Properties Supervisor Thomas Jenkeleit
Lighting Programmer Bev Fremin