Island City Stage, creating quality professional theatrical experiences focused on the LGBT+ community for a universal audience, is enjoying its 11th South Florida Season, and with it, is the continuation of its popular Behind the Red Curtain community forum series. On January 9, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., the theater company will present “Living the Truth—Seeing the Trans Community Through a Different Lens,” which will precede the opening of “Rotterdam” opening January 19.

The community forum will educate and inspire others about how to interact with transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse people. The open discussion will open hearts and minds by sharing personal triumphs, breaking down barriers, understanding fact vs. fiction and reflecting on personal biases. Guest panelists will be Franchesca D’Amore, board member, Safe Schools South Florida; Nic Zantop, deputy director, Transinclusive Group; Arianna Lint, executive director, Arianna’s Center; Ryan Papciak, MSW, LCSW, SunServe clinical director and Carvelle Estriplet, owner, Carvelle Bikes. This enlightening program will be moderated by David B.Wohlsifer, Ph.D., LCSW, FAU Clinical Instructor and owner of The Boca Raton Center for Psychotherapy.

Rotterdam by John Brittain with co-producer Sue Wilder is a moving and sensitive exploration of gender identity and relationships. Rotterdam tells the story of lesbian couple Alice (Suzanne Ankrum), who is struggling to come out to her parents, and Fiona (Autumn Horne) who tells Alice that she has always identified as a man. What happens next is a bittersweet comedy about gender, sexuality and being a long way from home. The show also features Abbie Fricke and Robert Koutras. Set sponsors are Doug Pew and Don Croxton, costume sponsors are Thomas Nichols and Dan Chadburn and lighting and sound sponsor Scott Bennett. Slated for January 19- February 19, this dramatic play has received outstanding reviews and awards.

Last year, in honor of its 10th anniversary season, Island City Stage created the Behind the Red Curtain public forum series to engage patrons in timely, relevant issues that are both addressed in its productions and affect the South Florida community.