Nikki Ann Hartman — Stages of Becoming: Putting Myself Together with Doll Parts…

The Center for Innovation, Research, and Creativity presents multi-disciplinary theatre artist Nikki Ann Hartman, who will discuss "Stages of Becoming: Putting Myself Together with Doll Parts…" The afternoon will feature a dramatic reading of Doll Parts…, a one-[trans]-woman show by Hartman, followed by an open discussion Q&A session with the playwright.

Doll Parts… is a one-[trans]-woman show about memory, remembering, and transitioning as an older woman. Taking place in the present, Doll Parts… follows Nikki as she discovers her true self in the midst of hormone-therapy-induced puberty, dating, menopause, and surgically transitioning her gender in her 60's. Set against the rapidly shifting American political landscape—a time of increased and deeply-held anti-trans sentiment, Doll Parts… looks at living an authentic life even if it has to be as a sacred act of rebellion. Balanced with humor, a touch of the divine, and an overwhelming joie de vivre, Doll Parts… explores our connected humanity while confronting the inherent biases and social constructs we seem all too willing to accept. At a time where it is once again dangerous to live as a trans person, Doll Parts… gives voice to the joys, setbacks, and dreams of an aspiring, though clearly targeted, community.

Nikki Hartman (UMBC associate professor of theatre) is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist who has been directing, writing, acting, and producing theatre for more than four decades. A SDC Union theatre director with interests in the Theatre of Social Conscience, Magical Realism, Solo Performance, and Farce, Hartman was the Founding Artistic Director of The People's Repertory Theatre Company, a company dedicated to Theatre of Social Action. A certified Meisner Acting Teacher, Hartman also teaches and directs for the Munich Film Akademie in Munich, Germany. Notable directing credits include: the multiple award-winning productions of Diana Son's Stop Kiss and Michael Frayn's Noises Off!, the world-premiere of Susan McCully's delicious farce Voracious, David Auburn's Proof, Melanie Marnich's These Shining Lives, Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice, and Jessica Dickey's The Amish Project with the Munich Film Akademie in Munich, Germany. A recipient of a 2026 Voxel Artist-in-Residence, Hartman's play, Doll Parts…, will make its world-premiere in July 2026, at The Voxel Theatre in Baltimore.

Admission is free. Please RSVP here in advance.