Ensemble Means Together Episode 4: Kairos Looney

Theatremaker, educator, and playwright Kairos Looney is the author of House of Telescopes, which completed its Off-Broadway premiere run in April 2024, produced by Pipeline Theatre Company, presented at ART/New York, and directed by Lyam Gabel. I was extremely fortunate to be among the ensemble of 16 performers that brought this story to life, with original music composed by Aya Aziz. Described as a "coming-of-age transgender fantasia"—where the age in question ranges from 18 to 58—​House of Telescopes tells a story of people and families in transition. In this interview, Kairos shares their thoughts about writing for multiple characters from creative, ethical, and political perspectives, how stories of gender transition are currently being told in theatre, how playwriting helps them make sense of the world, how this whole business of pretend play relates to making the world a better place, why trans people fight for Palestinian freedom, and what kind of kale they grow in their garden.

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