During the zeitgeist of the #MeToo movement...
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Kirk began exploring the dynamics of the abuse of power. He grappled with the impact of simultaneously revering the achievements of celebrated men, like Bill Cosby, while still reviling their deplorable personal behavior. He studied the implications of choosing to absolve the misconduct because the perpetrator is a favorite celebrity, teacher, close friend, or relative. Kirk searched ways to redefine his role and responsibilities by asking an essential question:
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Coincidentally, a biography about Kirk's grandfather, former U.S. Senator Gale McGee, was published during this time. The Gale McGee Papers archived at the American Heritage Center provided the majority of the research of his untarnished legacy as a leader who could respectfully debate the most divisive issues and honestly believed that we were strongest when we served those who needed justice..... However, it did spark a rather uncomfortable question:
- "What will a tour be like at the Donald Trump Presidential Library?"
... Thus, Joe, the tour guide, and The Honorable Herbert Peabody were born.
Left to right: Production Stills from Holmdel Theatre, NJ; United Solo Festival, NYC; Chain Theatre (Set by Clíona Smith, Lights by Paige Seber.)
The Honorable Herbert Peabody, with a small cast and crew and simple but impactful production design, is a seventy-minute solo show that offers a unique theatrical experience easily adaptable for venues of all types and sizes. The show has remained relevant by reflecting daily successes and setbacks of the MeToo movement while evolving with the changing narrative of sexual harassment and abusive power.
Oct. 2018
World and NY Premiere as part of the Emerging Artists Theatre's New Works Festival.
Interesting Fact:
Premiered during the week of the Brett Kavanaugh Hearings.
May 2019
NJ Premiere as a part of the New Works Series.
Interesting Fact:
Performed shortly before Jeffrey Epstein appeared in court for sex trafficking.
Nov. 2019
Participated, produced, and performed at the United Solo Festival in NYC.
Interesting Fact:
Performed shortly after Rose McGowan filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein for trying to silence her regarding her rape.
March 2020- June 2021
(Covid Times)
During Covid times new additional material was added and work shopped (via Zoom), expanding The Honorable Herbert Peabody from a one-act to a full length solo show.
Interesting Fact:
During this time a federal investigation was launched against Congressman Matt Gaetz over sex trafficking.
June 2021
Kirk McGee is awarded a Performance Grant from the Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation, ensuring that Peabody shall return to the stage.
Interesting Fact:
Kirk submitted for the grant shortly before Governor Cuomo was first accused for sexual misconduct. Kirk received the grant a few weeks after Cuomo resigned due to public outrage.
March 2022
Peabody returned to the stage for a limited engagement thanks to the Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation and many generous donations.
Interesting Fact:
During the run, President Biden signed a bill ending forced arbitration in sexual misconduct cases, which no longer silences the survivors or shields the perpetrators.
January 2023
In 2023, Kirk and Corey represented Peabody and continue navigating through the post covid theater landscape in search of the next venue to bring The Honorable Herbert Peabody to theaters and universities nationwide.
Interesting Fact:
Following a scandal involving its leaders' dealings with then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo amid sexual harassment allegations, Time's Up — the now-embattled anti-harassment organization founded with fanfare during the early days of the #MeToo reckoning against sexual misconduct - ceased operations.
