I Am My Own Wife cover art

I Am My Own Wife

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I Am My Own Wife

By: Doug Wright
Narrated by: Jefferson Mays
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About this listen

This riveting Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama tells the fascinating, real-life story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a transgender woman who managed to defy insurmountable odds. Based on interviews conducted by the playwright, I Am My Own Wife takes us on a theatrical journey that vividly chronicles the bravery, cunning, and strength that Von Mahlsdorf used to survive both the Nazi and Communist regimes of East Germany. Brilliantly performed by Jefferson Mays in a Tony-winning role, I Am My Own Wife is a thought-provoking, unforgettable portrait of an unlikely hero.

©2020 Doug Wright (P)2020 AO Media LLC Biographies & Memoirs Literature & Fiction United States World Literature

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All stars
Most relevant  
interesting insight to the GDR and attitudes of the time to transvestites. Not a great time to be an individual.

something a bit different

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Interesting piece of history Alternative life style violent father violent regime need to be inventive with the truth and masking lifestyle

Interesting piece of history

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Enjoyed this podcast. It was unusual and entertaining. Worth a listen. Would love it was true.

Worth a listen

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this is not a long story so it will easily fit into a reasonably short journey. the performance is great and the story really interesting

fascinating

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I absolutely love this story, having seen it in theatre, and Jefferson Mays' performance is truly wonderful

Such an intriguing story

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This is so well performed and a extremely interesting listen. I loved it! A really clever way of painting a picture of an era through the eyes of someone who didn’t fit.

Brilliant

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CW: Transphobia (Misgendering, Deadnaming, Violence), Homophobia, Antisemitism, Neurodivergent Ableism, Nazis, Stasi

I have a lot of thoughts I need to put together in a document (I can't deal with another meltdown after pouring my heart out about Townies by Neel Patel and then the internet eating it - PSA: MAYBE DON'T READ IF YOU'RE TRANS), but in the mean time it's incredibly important to tell the stories of and discuss important figures in our history, discussing them warts and all, but with the compassion and understanding we don't share the same experiences. However, this play and Patel's short story highlight the importance of research, understanding, empathy, consultation and sensitivity reading when writing outside our own experiences, and just how vital it is to raise own voices in the telling of our own tales.

I don't believe Wright or Patel had any malice in the creation of their works, it is clear how invested in and caring about Charlotte they were. This doesn't change the fact that the Patel's story exploits trans trauma for the sake of drama and the language Wright uses around Charlotte's identity is disrespectful and harmful throughout the play, particularly in the closing monologue.

I would love to see a trans creator work with Charlotte's complicated, inspiring, and heartbreaking story paying the appropriate respect to her identity and exploring the uncomfortable dichotomy of her life and actions.

An Important Story Dubiously Told

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