Event

BLOOD RELATIVE

"Family" is a strong word with many definitions, but the greeting card version of the happy nuclear family is still idolized as the best, most reliable variety.

But what if your family rejects you, dies before you're ready, or ends with you and you alone?

Blood Relative is a play about love, belonging, loss, and the tension between our generations, the expectations we have for families, and our capacity to satisfy them.

With wry humour and great tenderness Ren (of ZE!) dramatizes their memories as a 26-year-old lesbian named 'Michelle' care-taking her 100-year-old grandmother while struggling with a critical mother and a painful disease that may already have rendered Michelle infertile.

Disappointed by her expectations for a biological legacy and bond, Ren (formerly Michelle) must examine the power to re-define and re-build 'family' for themselves.

BLOOD RELATIVE is Part I in Zir Productions' Belonging Trilogy. Come to 18th & Union for Part II in the trilogy "Ze": queer as f*ck! playing 28th & 29th at 18th & Union at 9:30 pm (see their website for details)

*Ren is trans non-binary and uses they/them or ze/zir pronouns except when referencing their former identity as 'Michelle.'

Presented by Zir Productions
Original Production Directed by Stuart Devenie
Written and Performed by Ren Lunicke
Photo by Megan Bowers-Vette

Nominated for the New Zealand Fringe Development Award 2018.

5 / 5 - Perth Happenings

"Lunicke's voice is pure, personal, and honest to the point of nakedness." - Plank Magazine

"An equal-opportunity exponent of human frailty as the dreams and expectations of happy families' collide with reality.' - Theatreview.co.nz

"The delivery of these controversial topics was exceptional....I found this show to be one of the most touching that, I have seen in many months." - Independent Theatre Association

"powerful and insightful...a must see for anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong." -The Queer Av