by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
TW: The following piece includes disparaging comments about trans issues and transgender individuals.

An Oregon theatre has canceled an upcoming play after concerns arose over anti-trans remarks made by the production’s co-creator and star.

The Macbeths was set to open on March 6, but after actor and co-creater, Mary McDonald-Lewis’ disparaging remarks about the transgender community were discovered, the Milagro Theatre canceled the run.

"Milagro does not support, condone, or tolerate discrimination, hate speech, or violence against the LGBTQIAA+ community, nor do we support those who do,” the theater stated on Feb. 21. “Recently, community members brought to our attention that an upcoming third-party rental in our theatre space was led by an individual whose views do not align with our mission or values.”

This was not an official show with the theatre, but instead, they rented the space to Lewis and her co-creator, Doren Elias. The theatre also announced plans to update its rental policies, incorporating background checks and a contractual clause requiring alignment with its mission and values.

Lewis, an actor and vocal coach, posted on X(formerly Twitter) back in November, "Trans" people are either con artists (some murderous), autogynophiles, or mentally ill victims of social contagion. Many are vivisected laboratory subjects at the hands of wicked medical abusers. So take your pick, then tell me: which of these three categories is truly "trans"?”

She also posted “There is no such thing as trans “good ones,” no matter how men in women’s clothing try to distinguish themselves in these changing times. They are still men; they are still invading women’s lives and trying to appropriate our sex. There are no “good ones.”

Following the cancellation of the show, Lewis posted the following statement on an online message board within the Portland Theatre Community.

“TO THE THEATER COMMUNITY:

THE MACBETHS IS CANCELLED.

I, MARY MCDONALD-LEWIS, am no longer associated with Red S Theater company, and Red S Theater company has been dissolved. I have taken this step with contentment, commitment, and understanding.

Doren Elias, Jane Bement Geesman and the cast and crew of THE MACBETHS and the fantastic Milagro Theatre are wonderful people who care deeply about diversity, equity and inclusion, and who support every aspect and facet of the LGBT+ community.

They are not in any way connected to me or to my opinions; in fact, they 100% support the recent concerns and for this reason have disassociated themselves from me.

Doren, Jane, the cast and crew and the entire staff at Milago are all 100% courageously committed to the protection of all marginalized people.

They have demonstrated this powerfully by asking me to leave the show and the company, and to dissolve the company itself. I am happy to comply.

I love the Portland theater community and support its right to free expression with my whole heart.

I wish the MACBETHS crew all good fortune for a fabulous show — it’s going to be a barnstormer.

All tickets will be refunded.

Good luck,

Mary McDonald-Lewis “

To Lewis, I would say this - Anti-trans stances are rooted in misinformation and a misunderstanding of gender identity. Decades of scientific research confirm that being transgender is a real and valid aspect of human diversity, supported by major medical organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association.

Responsible gender-affirming care improves mental health outcomes, reducing suicide risk and distress. Historical and cultural evidence shows that gender diversity has existed across societies for centuries. Denying trans identities is not a matter of "free speech" but actively harms individuals. Respecting and affirming trans people is not only compassionate but also supported by science and history.

There are certainly things worth discussing when it comes to issues facing the trans community, but you don’t have to be a bigot about this, Mary.

Theatre Cancels Play Over Star’s Anti-Trans Comments

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