the grafters
THE GRAFTERS is a long-term, transdisciplinary performance research project led by Wesleigh Gates, in collaboration with a flexible, transfem-centered ensemble. Originally developed in Los Angeles, the piece has also been mounted at Bryn Mawr College, and is available for touring engagements in which Gates collaborates with local performers to recreate the work.
In both surgery and horticulture, “grafting” describes a process in which new growth becomes possible through acts of cutting and recombining. Accordingly, THE GRAFTERS stitches together antagonistic representations of trans women — from horror cinema to contemporary “transvestigations” — in order to grow something new in their place: composite selves, corporeal becomings, and collective solidarity.
Project participants have included Diva Baby, Alejandra Castro Chavez, Farah Daoud, Hazel Edwards, Sasha Forests, Patty Gone, Beatrice Gosse, Vaughan Larsen, Linda Lo, Emily Lucid, Elaina Marino, Joey Navarrete-Medina, Page Person, Pau Pescador, Kevin Ramser, Quei Tann, Tuesday Thomas, and Josie Wreck.
THE GRAFTERS has been supported by Los Angeles Performance Practice, NOR RESEARCH STUDIO, and the Center for Provocative Thought.
Project History:
Performance, Bryn Mawr College, October 2025
Performance, Pieter Performance Space/LAX Festival, May 2025
R&D Residency, Los Angeles Performance Practice, Fall 2024
Work-in-progress showing, First Draft at Human Resources, February 2024
