Holly Rowan and the Wilderbeans (Lore Phoenix Burns, Rosie Breedt, and Shelley O'Meara) weave together a tale about Rowan’s binding connection to nature, and how this connects with their journey of reaching peace with their spirit and the world which surrounds it. 

Their story resembles a traditional folklore tale, which is narrated using poetic original folk music played through a cello, violin, and Rowan’s vocals; they combine physical theatre, clown, and projection art to navigate through both the nuances of nature and gender together. 

We are introduced to nature as tranquil, non-judgemental, and most importantly, non-gendered, both from a scientific and social constructionism point of view. Momentarily, this tranquil starts to seep in, before themes of colonialism and rigid gender constructions begin to swiftly turn the direction towards the bleak status quo and increasing colonialism.

The vulgarity of Rowan’s reenactment of a conservative straight white man is confronting but real. In many theatre settings, such reenactments usually generate laughter and humour, but not here at all. Their transphobic comments and body movements when embodying this character accurately depict the harm of such comments to their spirit and nature itself. 

These patriarchal segments follow with a theatrical and audience-interaction thought-provoker about the roles of women in the eyes of men. Rowan approached audience members with tension, angst, and unrest about some ‘tips’ about love, which seemed to convey the dystopian reality which their spirit resides in. 

Several intense bangs of the drum mark the turn of events from peace and tranquility to confusion and despair about what the world’s impacts to nature and Rowan’s spirit, until they place themselves into a physical and metaphorical box. Here, we see the true vulnerable physical and emotional state of Rowan and their story in all of their expressive forms.

Each aspect of the performance transitioned progressively well from the music, theatrics, and mirror projections. The fluidity and rigidity of each cast member’s movements show much of the unrest. You’ll feel calm and curious in the beginning, before feeling anxious and uncomfortable, then returning to a sense of hope in the natural world. 

The Wilderbeans gather together to support Rowan’s emergence from the box, but it is truly driven by their intrinsic spirit re-learning to connect with nature and re-blossoming. It’s not a typical grand triumph, however it does show us the healing power of nature on their spirit and identity. 

To say that My Budding Entropy is a unique show is an understatement. It’s a blossoming bleak and warm tale of nature and gender euphoria which hopefully will resonate with many of us who are trans and/or gender diverse.