In 2022, Hannah Gadsby signed a deal with Netflix to challenge the “chronically transphobic industry.” Her plan included creating a multi-comic special featuring non-binary comedians from around the world. Now, under the title “Gender Agenda,” this project will debut on March 5th, showcasing seven performers.
“Gendrowa Agenda” is curated by Gadsby and features Jes Tom, Alok, Ashi Ward, Chloe Petts, DeAnne Smith, Krishnia Istha, and Mx. Dahlia Belle. Tom has written for “Our Flag Means Death” and recently completed the off-Broadway show “Less Loneliness,” presented by Elliot Page. Alok was the headliner at the 2021 New York Comedy Festival and has appeared in unscripted series like “Planet Sex” for Hulu with Cara Delevingne and “Getting Curious” for Netflix with Jonathan Van Ness. Ashi Ward is known as the youngest writer in the history of “Saturday Night Live.” Chloe Petts is currently on tour with her stand-up show “If You Can’t Say Anything Nice.” DeAnne Smith previously appeared in “Comedians of the World” on Netflix and won the Best Newcomer Award at the 2008 Sydney Comedy Festival. Krishnia Istha was a writer for the fourth season of “Sex Education” and is currently working on a trilogy of trans motherhood performances. Dahlia Belle is the founder of the Portland Queer Comedy Festival and gained recognition for an open letter to Dave Chappelle in “The Guardian” in 2021.
“The last time Netflix gathered this many transgender people, it was a protest. So, progress!” jokes Gadsby in the trailer.
Gadsby has previously publicly criticized Netflix for promoting transphobic jokes by Chappelle, but in an interview with Variety, she explained why she continues to collaborate with the platform: “If you want to change the conversation, you have to be engaged in it. That’s what led me to continue this relationship.”
“Gender Agenda” was filmed at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London under the direction of Julian Smith. Gadsby serves as an executive producer along with Kevin Whyte, Jenney Shamash, and Kathleen McCarthy, as well as Andy Rowe and Graham Stuart for So Television ITV.
“There are so many talented non-binary comedians among us, but so little representation on major streaming platforms. Meanwhile, jokes about transgender people are becoming increasingly lucrative, so it only makes sense for some of those jokes to be told by transgender people themselves,” Gadsby said in a statement to Variety. “So, I’m incredibly excited to bring together such a talented lineup of performers and use my platform (and Netflix’s platform…) to help them shine in the spotlight they deserve. They (and by ‘they’ I mean quite literally ‘they’) are some of the funniest, smartest non-binary comedians from around the world, and it has been an extraordinary experience and a true honor to share the stage with them.”
FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. Who is Hannah Gadsby?
Hannah Gadsby is a comedian and performer who signed a deal with Netflix in 2022 to expand representation of non-binary individuals in the entertainment industry.
2. What was Hannah Gadsby’s plan under the Netflix deal?
Her plan included creating a multi-comic special featuring non-binary comedians from around the world.
3. When will the project debut?
The project titled “Gender Agenda” will debut on March 5th.
4. Who will perform in the special?
The special will feature performances by Jes Tom, Alok, Ashi Ward, Chloe Petts, DeAnne Smith, Krishnia Istha, and Mx. Dahlia Belle.
5. What accomplishments can each performer boast?
Jes Tom has written for the series “Our Flag Means Death” and gained recognition for their solo show. Alok was the headliner at the New York Comedy Festival. Ashi Ward is the youngest writer in the history of “Saturday Night Live.” Chloe Petts is currently on tour with her stand-up show. DeAnne Smith previously appeared in “Comedians of the World” on Netflix. Krishnia Istha was a writer for the fourth season of “Sex Education.” Mx. Dahlia Belle is the founder of the Portland Queer Comedy Festival.
6. Why did Hannah Gadsby choose to collaborate with Netflix despite the criticism?
Gadsby explained that she wants to be engaged in the conversation and bring about change in the industry, which is why she decided to continue her relationship with Netflix.
7. Where was the special filmed?
The special “Gender Agenda” was filmed at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London.
8. Who is the executive producer of the special?
Hannah Gadsby serves as an executive producer along with Kevin Whyte, Jenney Shamash, and Kathleen McCarthy, as well as Andy Rowe and Graham Stuart for So Television ITV.
9. Why did Hannah Gadsby choose the concept of “Gender Agenda”?
Hannah Gadsby aimed to provide greater representation for non-binary comedians on major streaming platforms and used her platform, as well as Netflix’s platform, to help these comedians reach a wider audience.
Terms and Keywords:
– Non-binary: A person whose gender is not solely male or female.
– Transphobic jokes: Jokes or humor that infringe upon the rights and dignity of transgender individuals.
Suggested Related Links:
– Netflix
– Alexandra Palace Theatre
– ITV
The source of the article is from the blog rugbynews.at