RUN GIRL RUN is a new show by multi-award-winning theatre ensemble Grit Theatre.

As a group of queer and straight artists working together, the Grit ensemble have always asked questions about gender. ‘I like to experiment with my gender a lot, seeing what I can get away with and still be considered a man’, says co-artistic director Tom Browne, ‘how far can I push it?’

Performed entirely on 3 treadmills, the Grit Theatre ensemble will be in constant motion for this sweaty hour of theatre in the Melbourne Fringe Festival Hub. High energy, high camp and grotesque, RUN GIRL RUN will explore modern Australia’s relationship with gender.

RUN GIRL RUN is performed, devised and designed by the Grit Theatre ensemble. As a group of queer and straight artists working together, the Grit ensemble have always asked questions about gender. ‘I like to experiment with my gender a lot, seeing what I can get away with and still be considered a man’, says co-artistic director Tom Browne, ‘how far can I push it?’

In the development of RUN GIRL RUN, the Grit ensemble have asked themselves two central questions: ‘What makes me a man?’ and ‘What makes me a woman?’

This led to a series of interviews with men, women, gender-neutral and gender-queer individuals from throughout Australia. ‘It’s been really interesting to hear the diverse ways people think about their gender’ says Browne, ‘it’s something we think about a lot in the queer community, but that’s not necessarily the case elsewhere.’ Co-artistic director Laura Hughes agrees, ‘I think some people never give their gender much thought at all.’

In exploring gender expression, Grit Theatre hopes to understand issues that stem from our relationships with gender, such as misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia.

Formed in 2009 by Browne and Hughes, Grit Theatre has independently produced and staged four critically acclaimed full-scale productions in Melbourne and Sydney. In 2013 Grit will also take their work to! Metro Arts in Brisbane.

At the 2010 Melbourne Fringe Festival, Grit Theatre was awarded Best Performance and the PACT Centre for Emerging Artists Award. And in the 2010 Green Room Awards, Grit was awarded Best Production (Independent) and Best Ensemble (Independent).

“Totally unexpected, completely irresistible. I loved it. … it’s rare that a work can make magic out of sheer, unconditional celebration. This is ecstatic theatre and I would see it again and again and again.” – John Bailey (Us, 2010)

“…controlled chaos, charming, raw & clever theatre. See it!” – Richard Watts (Us, 2010)

“Mesmerising…You feel real and alive again” – ArtsHub (Maelstrom, 2009)

For more info, visit grit theatre.

WHAT:         Run Girl Run
VENUE:      Fringe Hub – Rehearsal Room – North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St North Melbourne, Victoria 3051
DATES:       20-22 and 24-27 Sept
TIME:          10.15pm, Sun 9.15pm (50min)
TICKETS:   Full: $21, Concession: $18, Tightarse Tuesday: $16, Group: $18

TO BOOK visit melbournefringe.com.au or call (03) 9660 9666