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The World Premiere Theatrical Production of Manifest Pussy
Diversionary Theatre announces the opening production in their 40th Anniversary Season, the World Premiere Theatrical Production of Manifest Pussy, written & performed by Shakina, directed by Sherri Eden Barber, and music directed by Jacob Yates. Manifest P*ssy will begin previews on September 17 (press opening: September 20), and will run through October 12.
“Manifest Pussy is not just a show, it’s a visceral, fearless act of artistic defiance and truth-telling. Blending the raw power of performance art with the brilliance of Broadway composers, it’s prolific in its creativity, unapologetically funny, and deeply inspiring. This is the kind of work that reminds us why we make theatre — to experience something unbelievable in community, to shake the room, to move hearts, and to demand presence. It’s not just a performance — it’s a lifeline. It saves lives. It’s a fight to stay alive, to reach the next tomorrow, and to keep the spirit burning bright,” said Diversionary’s Artistic Director, and director of this production, Sherri Eden Barber.
About this journey, Shakina shared: “For the last 10 years, I’ve been manifesting pussy across the country with nothing but a rock band, a microphone, and a dream. Coming back to Diversionary for the 10-year anniversary [of Manifest Pussy’s original performance] and finally getting to work with an amazing director and an all-star design team on a world premiere theatrical production is literally that dream come true! I’ve been doing this show on the road for so long that it’s become an integral part of my being. But now with a full production, we get to take my story and these magical songs and unpack them in a whole new way. I’m overwhelmed by the artistry that’s coming out of this collaboration!”
This production is a solo show written by and starring Shakina, that features original music from notable talents of the musical theatre world, including Shaina Taub (2-time Tony winner, Suffs), Michael R Jackson (Tony and Pulitzer winner, A Strange Loop), Sam Salmond (Eighty-Sixed), Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), Zoe Sarnak (Empire Records), Joel Waggoner, Nikko Benson, Julianne Wick Davis (Trevor, Southern Comfort), Lauren Marcus, and Teresa Lotz.
The creative team: Sherri Eden Barber, Director; Jacob Yates, Music Director; Clifton Chadick, Scenic Design; Sammy Webster, Lighting Design; Miguel Barragan, Costume Design; Nic Rodriguez Villafañe, Sound Design; Jason James Johnson, Puppetry Design; Nick Hussong, Projection Design; Associate Music Director, Jerrica Stone; Madison Mercato, Stage Manager
Low-cost preview performances September 17-19, Press Opening: September 20.
Performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego
For more info, visit diversionary.org or call 619.220.0097. Click here to purchase show tickets.