Theatre company and social justice charity Cardboard Citizens today announce tour dates, cast and crew for the 2023 national tour of FAUN – a new play from acclaimed performer and writer, Vinnie Heaven. FAUN explores the homelessness crisis affecting transgender people in the UK and how sometimes home isn’t always easy to find.
Following over three decades as a national and international authority on arts and homelessness, Cardboard Citizens expanded their mission earlier last year to explore inequity and poverty as the systemic causes of homelessness. FAUN tells the comedic and touching story of Ace: 22, trans, queer, and onto their last sofa, this time with high-flying school friend Paige and her boyfriend Ant. Desperate to maintain a roof over their head, Ace quickly becomes stuck in a precarious cycle of people pleasing – to live in someone’s home requires you to be small, smiling and polite, part of the furniture. But, as Ace soon discovers, it’s impossible to hide your true nature and people make mistakes.
FAUN tells a story of transformation and growth, both mental and physical, and some of which may involve a tail…
Directed by Debbie Hannan (Sound of the Underground, Royal Court), FAUN will tour the UK between 28 March – 13 May, visiting Newcastle, London, Plymouth, Birmingham, Salford and Bristol. Tickets will be available at £1 or on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis through the tour to people with experience of homelessness and poverty.
Vinnie Heaven, FAUN playwright commented: “I can’t wait to unleash this fantastical play! I wanted to highlight the extra energy and strength some people require to exist in the space they have to call home. The play ultimately celebrates the queer and trans community, enduring, nurturing and flourishing. I am beyond privileged to have Debbie Hannan leading this project and cannot wait for the talents of the creative team and cast they have assembled to elevate this piece beyond what I can imagine.”
Chris Sonnex, Artistic Director of Cardboard Citizens added: “It is an enormous pleasure to present Vinnie’s new work to the world. They have an incredible voice, a brilliant soul and a humour that lifts the heart. The creative and production team that have been assembled with the legendary Debbie Hannan is nothing short of astonishing.
“I am proud that Cardboard Citizens can be a part of a canon of trans work in the UK and join the conversation around the intersectionality of homelessness and poverty. It is artists that we often look to to bring joy, highlight injustice, to humanise, activate and to bring people together. I know audiences across the country will inhabit all these things while experiencing this play and enjoy getting to know the main character Ace for all they are. Look forward to seeing you there.”
FAUN will see actor, singer, and trans-inclusivity consultant, Aitch Wylie – known for their work in Snowflake: A New Musical (The Lowry), Stages: A Video Game Musical (VAULTS), The Three Musketeers (UK Tour) and Dr Who: The War Master (Big Finish) – as Ace. Non-binary Edinburgh-based actor, Afton Moran – known for their credits in Happiness Collectors (The Audio Story Company), How To Be Both (R&D; Royal Lyceum Theatre) and Ghost Light (National Theatre of Scotland) – will take the roles of Ant, Stag and Plant. The BRIT School student and Fourth Monkey alumni, Nyah Randon – known for her screen work in Enola’s Tape, Sylvie; and previous stage credits in Variant 31 and Fame – will bring the roles of Paige and Doe to life.
Compassionate, enlightening and peppered with quick-fire comedy, at the heart of FAUN is a celebration of queer community – full of youth, heart, and pan-pipes.
Image Credit: Cardboard Citizens/FAUN
