Good Sex Play and Elliot Page: Exploring Intimacy, Consent, and Trans Advocacy

“How do you have sex onstage?” That’s the central question of “Good Sex,” an unconventional play that spotlights intimacy coordinators.

This article explores "Good Sex," a groundbreaking theatrical play produced by the Irish company Dead Centre alongside novelist Emilie Pine, which uniquely addresses how to stage sex scenes safely and consensually. The play uses a rotating cast of stars who perform without prior rehearsal or reading of the script, guided onstage by intimacy coordinators. Concurrently, the article delves into the career and cultural impact of Canadian actor Elliot Page, one of the featured performers, highlighting his advocacy for transgender rights and personal challenges faced in Hollywood.

Key bullet points:

• *“Good Sex” is a novel theatrical production where unacquainted actors perform together live without rehearsal or reading the script beforehand, focusing on stories of desire and loneliness.*

• *The show features a rotating cast, including John Cameron Mitchell, Elliot Page, Morgan Spector, Constance Wu, Brandon Flynn, and Chris Perfetti, performing over four nights in Brooklyn's Powerhouse Arts.*

• *An intimacy coordinator joins the actors on stage to ensure that the sex scenes are safe, consensual, and well-directed.*

• *“Good Sex” emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a reflection on touch and intimacy in a time when physical contact was fraught.*

• *Elliot Page, known for “Juno” and “The Umbrella Academy,” has become a prominent transgender advocate, using his public journey to influence broader conversations on gender identity and representation.*

• *Page’s 2023 memoir reveals personal struggles, including a disturbing homophobic encounter in Hollywood, shedding light on ongoing discrimination in the industry.*

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“Good Sex”: A theatrical experiment on intimacy and connection

“How do you have sex onstage?” This provocative question is at the heart of the Irish theatre company Dead Centre’s production, *Good Sex*, which collaborates with award-winning novelist and essayist Emilie Pine. The play challenges traditional theatrical norms by pairing two unfamiliar actors each night who have never rehearsed together or even read the script prior to performing.

The production runs from November 5 through November 8 at Brooklyn’s Powerhouse Arts venue, featuring different pairs of prominent actors each evening. The cast roster includes acclaimed performers such as John Cameron Mitchell, Elliot Page, Morgan Spector, Constance Wu, Brandon Flynn, and Chris Perfetti, with a different yet-to-be-announced pair headlining the opening night.

Innovative format and role of intimacy coordinators

Unlike conventional plays where actors rehearse extensively, *Good Sex* entrusts the performers to share a story of desire, betrayal, and loneliness live onstage in their first joint appearance. To support this unconventional method, the production incorporates an intimacy coordinator—an emerging role in theater and film designed to ensure actors’ safety, comfort, and consent during the depiction of intimate scenes.

Intimacy director Abigail Kessel and original intimacy choreographer Sue Mythen guide the actors through the delicate process of connecting physically and emotionally in front of a live audience. According to the production’s press release, audiences are assured that the sex portrayed will be safe, consensual, and genuinely “good.”

Origins and thematic resonance during the pandemic

*Good Sex* was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when physical touch became fraught with social and health anxieties. The project is described as “a love story for a loveless age,” directly addressing the heightened cultural taboo of intimacy in a time when “touching was a transgressive act and our bodies sites of sickness.” Debuting at the 2022 Dublin Theatre Festival and supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, the play resonates deeply in an era of social isolation and emotional alienation.

Collaboration and creative team

The staging at Powerhouse Arts is part of *Powerhouse: International,* a festival curated by Tony-winning producer David Binder, aimed at fostering dialogue between international and local artists. The production is directed by Ben Kidd, with dramaturgy by Bush Moukarzel. The creative team includes Aedín Cosgrove (design), Stephen Dodd (lighting), Jenny O’Malley (sound and music), Mae Leahy (costumes), and technical crew members Ciarán Murphy and Eugenia Genunchi.

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Elliot Page: Beyond the stage – A cultural catalyst and advocate

Among the rotating cast of *Good Sex* is Canadian actor Elliot Page, whose career and personal journey extend far beyond performance. Rising to global fame with the indie hit *Juno* (2007), Page has become a symbol of visibility and resilience through his public transition and activism for transgender rights.

From *Juno* to a pivotal cultural figure

Page’s portrayal of Juno MacGuff, a witty and nuanced teenager facing unexpected pregnancy, catapulted him to international stardom. The film’s honest depiction of adolescence made it a cultural touchstone and an enduring reference, even appearing in contemporary puzzles such as the New York Times Mini Crossword.

Since publicly coming out as transgender in December 2020, Page has used his platform to challenge stereotypes and normalize gender identity discussions. His openness reflects in his advocacy for inclusive policies and representation within the entertainment industry.

Navigating ongoing culture wars

Page’s prominence occurs amid heated debates about transgender rights and representation, exemplified by comedian Margaret Cho’s criticism of author J.K. Rowling for anti-trans rhetoric. Page serves as a counterbalance to divisive narratives, offering affirmation to marginalized communities. Notably, figures from the *Harry Potter* franchise like Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe have voiced support for trans individuals, indicating a generational shift toward inclusion.

Media visibility as representation

The inclusion of Page’s name in mainstream media, whether as a crossword answer or a trending social media topic, symbolizes recognition and progress in cultural narratives about gender identity. Media exposure plays a key role in validating trans stories, offering both affirmation and wider societal understanding.

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Revealing adversity: Insights from Page’s memoir *Pageboy*

In his 2023 memoir *Pageboy*, Elliot Page recounts not only his successes but also personal hardships, including a disturbing homophobic incident shortly after coming out as gay in 2014. According to Page, at a Los Angeles birthday party, an unnamed Hollywood acquaintance verbally abused him with homophobic slurs and threats, underscoring the persistent discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in cisgender and heterosexual dominant spaces.

Page’s decision to share this experience highlights the often unspoken challenges queer and trans people endure. His memoir also reflects on other difficult personal matters, such as living secretly and past relationships, providing candid insights into the struggles within the entertainment industry.

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Conclusion: A conversation on intimacy, identity, and representation

*Good Sex* exemplifies contemporary theater’s power to explore complex aspects of human connection by reimagining performance dynamics and emphasizing actor safety through intimacy coordination. With a star-studded rotating cast, the production not only invites audiences to witness raw stories about desire and loneliness but also challenges societal taboos around sex and touch.

Simultaneously, Elliot Page’s continued evolution as an artist and advocate highlights the cultural impact of visibility and authenticity in advancing transgender rights and representation. His career and bold storytelling resonate beyond the stage and screen, influencing ongoing dialogues about identity, inclusion, and the power of narrative.

Together, *Good Sex* and Elliot Page’s journey demonstrate how art and individual courage contribute to reshaping cultural landscapes, fostering empathy, and nurturing a more inclusive society.

Questions and answers

Q: How does Good Sex stage sex scenes safely?

A: The play Good Sex stages sex scenes safely by employing trained intimacy coordinators who choreograph all physical interactions with clear boundaries and consent from all performers. They create a controlled environment, ensuring actors feel comfortable and protected while maintaining the artistic integrity of the scenes. This approach prioritizes communication, professionalism, and the emotional well-being of the cast.

Q: Who are intimacy coordinators in theater?

A: Intimacy coordinators are trained professionals in theater and film who choreograph and oversee scenes involving physical intimacy, such as kissing or sex scenes. Their role is to ensure these scenes are performed safely, consensually, and realistically, while protecting actors’ boundaries and comfort. They work closely with directors, actors, and production teams to establish clear communication and protocols.

Q: Elliot Page transgender advocacy

A: Elliot Page is a prominent advocate for transgender rights, using his platform to raise awareness about transgender issues and promote inclusivity. After publicly coming out as transgender, Page has spoken openly about his experiences and the challenges faced by the trans community. He actively supports efforts to combat discrimination and increase visibility for transgender individuals.

Q: Live theatrical performances without rehearsal

A: Live theatrical performances without rehearsal are typically improvised shows where actors create scenes spontaneously based on audience suggestions or predetermined formats. While risky, this style focuses on creativity, quick thinking, and ensemble chemistry. It can be found in improvisational theater groups and certain experimental productions, emphasizing the unpredictability and immediacy of live performance.

Q: Details about the play Good Sex at Powerhouse Arts

A: Good Sex is a contemporary play staged at Powerhouse Arts that explores themes of intimacy, relationships, and consent through authentic storytelling and choreography. The production is noted for its realistic portrayal of sex scenes, employing intimacy coordinators to safely and respectfully stage such moments. Powerhouse Arts provides a dynamic venue that supports innovative and socially relevant theater.

Key Entities

Dead Centre: Dead Centre is an Irish theatre company that produces contemporary and innovative stage plays. It often collaborates with artists and festivals to bring new theatrical works to audiences.

Elliot Page: Elliot Page is a Canadian actor and producer known for roles in films like 'Juno' and the series 'The Umbrella Academy.' Page is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has publicly shared his experience as a transgender man.

Emilie Pine: Emilie Pine is an Irish writer and academic recognized for her memoir 'Notes to Self,' which explores personal and societal issues. She often addresses themes of body, memory, and trauma in her work.

John Cameron Mitchell: John Cameron Mitchell is an American actor, writer, and director best known for creating and starring in the cult musical film 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch.' He is noted for his contributions to LGBTQ+ themed storytelling in theatre and film.

Powerhouse Arts: Powerhouse Arts is a multidisciplinary arts organization and venue located in Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to supporting innovative performance and visual art. It fosters emerging and established artists by providing space for experimental productions and exhibitions.

External articles

• "I'll Do Whatever She's Comfortable With": Staging Theatrical ...
• CHOREOGRAPHING CONSENT: Intimacy Direction in ...
• Elliot Page and John Cameron Mitchell Star in 'Good Sex ...

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YouTube Video

Title: How intimacy coordinators ensure safety on theater and film sets
Channel: PBS NewsHour
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB-alUniwRA
Published: 2 years ago