TRANSITION; Or The Electrolysis Play

by Aster Aguilar

A trans woman (Apphia) struggles through her first session of genital electrolysis, in preparation for bottom surgery. Between the beeps of the unrelenting needle, she juggles the opinions of her eccentric electrologist (Bernie), her own insecurities, and the rising uncertainty of whether she can even sit for a second longer. “TRANSITION; or The Electrolysis Play” asks the audience to sit squarely within the...

A trans woman (Apphia) struggles through her first session of genital electrolysis, in preparation for bottom surgery. Between the beeps of the unrelenting needle, she juggles the opinions of her eccentric electrologist (Bernie), her own insecurities, and the rising uncertainty of whether she can even sit for a second longer. “TRANSITION; or The Electrolysis Play” asks the audience to sit squarely within the painstaking slowness of transition, and showcases the small moments in life where we find connection—or lose sight of it entirely.

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TRANSITION; Or The Electrolysis Play

Recommended by

  • Lainie Vansant: TRANSITION; Or The Electrolysis Play by Aster Aguilar
    “

    Aguilar gives us visceral insight into the trans experience in this real-time play. She also explores fascinating forces under the surface, not the least of which are the odd ways that we navigate real-world, online, and customer service relationships in an increasingly digital age. I had the pleasure of listening to a reading of this play at GPTC 2026 and was moved by how deeply physical, personal, and intimate this script is.

    Aguilar gives us visceral insight into the trans experience in this real-time play. She also explores fascinating forces under the surface, not the least of which are the odd ways that we navigate real-world, online, and customer service relationships in an increasingly digital age. I had the pleasure of listening to a reading of this play at GPTC 2026 and was moved by how deeply physical, personal, and intimate this script is.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: TRANSITION; Or The Electrolysis Play by Aster Aguilar
    “

    A brilliant play. Aguilar tells a story about the trans experience that I have never seen on stage and screen before. Loved how intimate this moment is between two people who know very little about each other. You really feel for Apphia as they go through this painful process towards gender-affirming healthcare. I just can't say enough about the originality of this play.

    A brilliant play. Aguilar tells a story about the trans experience that I have never seen on stage and screen before. Loved how intimate this moment is between two people who know very little about each other. You really feel for Apphia as they go through this painful process towards gender-affirming healthcare. I just can't say enough about the originality of this play.

    ”

Character Information

  • Apphia
    Typically reserved, with a stubborn streak. Funny mostly to herself.
    20s
    Latino
    Trans woman, non-binary, or genderqueer
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Bernie
    In some ways with it, and in some ways absolutely clueless. Ultimately well-meaning.
    57
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Ursula
    Off-stage role. Mourning someone who isn't dead yet.
    50s
    Latina -- Cuban
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Great Plains Theatre Commons, 2026
  • Workshop, "Advanced Playwriting" with Professor Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Yale University, 2024