Aphra Behn. A spy for the British crown, whose job was to turn English expatriates in the Netherlands into double agents. A spy who returned to Britain impoverished because the English King Charles turned around and said, “Hey, guys, do we have to pay her? No? Let’s not pay her then.”
What’s a woman to do when she’s impoverished? Obviously, the only choice is to turn to the most debasing profession of all – become a writer. And that’s exactly what she did, claiming a spot in history as the first woman to make her living as a playwright. She was also one of the first fantasists in modern history,
Wouldn’t you like to see that story play out in front of you, preferably with sword fights and expert commentary about the history of identity…with more sword fights?
Chris Braak has written this very play. It’s called Empress of the Moon: The Lives of Aphra Behn, and it’s going up at the Capital Fringe Festival.
Now, I only highlight the fundraising campaigns here that I think are top-notch and worth your time. I don’t want to highlight anything that I think can’t be pulled off. Here, the play’s already written, its run is already booked, actors already cast, cast already choreographed. This IndieGoGo campaign is to help defray the cast and crew’s travel and accommodation costs to the Capital Fringe Festival.
Braak himself is one of the voices I trust and listen to most when it comes to the culture and politics of identity. This article he wrote at Threat Quality Press remains one of the clearest and most incisive pieces of writing on gender representation in the media that I’ve read in years.
Chris Braak is a special writer, and I want to see him succeed. He is one of those few I hope crafts the storytelling of tomorrow. If you’re someone here who’s familiar with him, consider contributing to his IndieGoGo campaign. If you’re unfamiliar with him, read a bit more about his play here, and then visit IndieGoGo.
Gabriel Diego Valdez 