With the voice being the main way singers are defined, what happens when you want to change your definition? Non-binary comedian-cum-musician Kipp Lee explores finding their place in a world where you're either a soprano or a tenor and they want to be both. Blending both musical theatre and pop songs, Kipp takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions regarding their impending medical transition with musical support from Robert Meek. James spoke with Kipp about making the personal public and the role music plays in their farewell. Read the full interview below:
The titular farewell is in reference to what is typically quite a personal and private experience. Why did you decide to make this into a performance? So that I'd actually make a decision! I first had a consultation with a gender specialist over 2 years ago and I'm still no closer to an actual decision despite multiple convos with my family, doctors and psychologists. I hoped that this would help clarify it all for me. What role has music and performance played in your life and how does it impact your farewell? I come from a very musical family. I grew up surrounded by music, always playing something or singing. Music is my happy place. Also a a performer in general, my voice is key to my career. Have the musical theatre and pop songs held significance to you for a while or did they rise when you assembled the show? They're all songs that I've wanted to perform for ages but for one reason or another have never got the chance to. They also carry significance to certain times in my life - particularly the pop songs. They've definitely developed more meaning since incorporating them into Farewell Tour. For this personal show, did you draw inspiration from somewhere else or are you forging your own path? Forging my own path. I guess I've taken inspiration from other non binary friends and their personal transition journeys. But this show is so much about my life it's hard to be inspired by anything else but that. What do you hope people take away from Farewell Tour? I just hope they have a good time! RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Favourite production you've ever seen. Heathers The Musical You're getting on a plane tomorrow and you can go anywhere in the world, where do you go? Europe either France or Switzerland Dream show to create? I'd love to direct Silent Disco by Lachlan Philpott - I read it at uni and it was the first play I got like a complete vision for. Plays or musicals? Musicals A hobby you have beyond the theatre? Dungeons and Dragons What's next for you after this show? Well I produce a comedy show called The Laugh Tub and the next show is the day after Farewell Tour finishes...so that! Farewell Tour is on at the Factory Theatre Marrickville, 18th, 20th (7pm) and 22nd (8.30pm) Tickets available here.