Watermelon

Synopsis

A bedroom in London, where social media meets personal struggle.

Watermelon is a provocative one-woman show that explores the intersection of gender identity, race, and online culture. The play centres on a young, mixed-race trans woman navigating life as a social media influencer while grappling with her identity and place in the world. Through a series of TikTok videos, real-life monologues, and rap performances, the protagonist shares her experiences of discrimination, visibility, and the complexities of existing between multiple identities.

Chang’s work delves into the nuances of being both transgender and mixed-race Asian, challenging audience perceptions and highlighting the often-overlooked intersections of these experiences. The play’s structure mirrors the fragmented nature of social media, with rapid shifts between performative content and raw, unfiltered moments. As the protagonist confronts online harassment, familial expectations, and her own artistic aspirations, Watermelon offers a searing commentary on contemporary identity politics, the pressures of online visibility, and the search for authenticity in a digital age.