한 (han) — an untranslatable Korean idea that often is expressed in art, loosely referring to a shared cultural feeling of grief or loss.

Pothos Arts & Theater House believes in addition to normalizing the presence of trans artists in a predominantly cisgender canon, it is also imperative that trans artists are given the reins to tell their own stories to reclaim and recontextualize their own narrative.

Introducing Hantext Writing Group

…a multi-week collaborative writing workshop inspired by new works development from the Chicago storefront theater scene. Curated in partnership with REACH LA.

How does it work?

Writers are accepted by application. This free program brings trans and gender-nonconforming writers together to promote accountability towards finishing a new work. Over the course of several weeks, writers draft the beginnings of a new play or continue to work on an in-progress play, bringing in at least 10 fresh pages per week to share with the group. Group members read the pages aloud then, with guidance from the course curator, share impressions of the excerpt.

What is the goal?

By the end of the program, participants will create finished or close-to-finished new plays! The play does not have to be specifically about transness, nor does it have to be a conventional play. The choice is yours! A committee then selects pieces for a staged reading, letting the playwrights to see and hear their work. Playwrights are offered a stipend for the performance of their piece.

Who is invited to apply?

Transgender and gender-nonconforming artists are specifically invited to apply. Queer individuals may also apply, minding that the focus of Pothos Arts & Theater House is to center transgender experiences. Hantext meets in person and provides assistance with transportation costs as necessary.

How much does it cost?

Nothing! The goal is not to profit off of new artists. We want to give you tools and see your art flourish!

When are applications going up?

Applications are currently closed.