Groundbreaking Transgender Performance Returns to Asbury Park

“She’s NorMale – A Transgender Odyssey 2025” returns to Asbury Park on June 19, bringing its boundary-shattering multimedia experience to the House of Independents. Beginning at 7:00 PM, this immersive performance created and performed by national transgender activist and performer Geenetica (Dr. Geena Buono) combines soul-stirring original music with spoken word poetry, personal narratives, and breathtaking visual projections, according to North to Shore Festival organizers.

Previous attendees have described the production as “transformative,” “electric,” and “unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” highlighting how the show creates an atmosphere where celebration meets revelation and personal truth becomes universal connection. The event promises to take audiences on a profound journey through the landscape of transgender experience in ways that are raw, radiant, and revolutionary.

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Multifaceted Artist with Deep Community Roots

Geenetica, also known as Dr. Geena Buono, brings a wealth of experience to this production as both an artist and activist. Beyond her musical and performance career, Buono has established herself as a significant voice for transgender awareness in New Jersey, having founded Asbury Park’s annual Transgender Day of Remembrance observance in 2015, according to Asbury Park Sun.

Her multifaceted background includes work as a chiropractor, musician, activist, and performer, reflecting the diverse talents she brings to this production. This professional diversity mirrors the show’s exploration of identity as something that transcends simple categorization—a central theme in “She’s NorMale.”

“With this show, I want people to see that the path to self-discovery, though challenging, is an extraordinary journey worth celebrating,” Buono has stated about the performance, emphasizing her goal of creating an experience that resonates with audiences regardless of their personal background or gender identity.

Immersive Multimedia Experience

What distinguishes “She’s NorMale” from traditional performances is its immersive, multimedia approach to storytelling. The production features stunning visual projections created by Asbury Park-based projection designer Denis Randall, whose work transforms the performance space into a dynamic visual landscape that evolves throughout the show, as reported by Shore News Network.

Randall’s projections work in harmony with Buono’s music and narrative, creating a multisensory experience where visuals amplify the emotional impact of the stories being told. This collaborative approach represents the intersection of various art forms to create a cohesive and impactful production.

The musical elements of the show feature Buono’s powerful vocals accompanied by original compositions that range across genres, reflecting the diverse emotional landscape of her personal journey. This musical foundation supports the spoken word and narrative elements that give context and depth to the performance.

More Than Entertainment: A Platform for Understanding

Beyond its artistic merits, “She’s NorMale” serves as an educational platform that invites audiences to gain deeper insight into transgender experiences. As an activist who has organized numerous community events focused on transgender awareness and remembrance, Buono brings authenticity and purpose to the production.

The performance creates space for dialogue about transgender lives in a format that balances entertainment with education, emotion with information. This approach makes complex issues of identity accessible to diverse audiences while maintaining the integrity of the deeply personal stories being shared.

The timing of the performance during Pride Month adds additional significance, positioning it within the broader context of LGBTQ+ visibility and celebration while focusing specifically on transgender narratives that are often underrepresented even within Pride programming.

House of Independents: Supporting Diverse Voices

The choice of Asbury Park’s House of Independents as the venue for this performance reflects the establishment’s ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse and innovative performances. Located at 527 Cookman Avenue in the heart of Asbury Park’s downtown district, the venue has become known for programming that pushes boundaries and amplifies underrepresented voices.

With a capacity that creates an intimate yet energetic atmosphere, the House of Independents provides an ideal setting for the personal nature of “She’s NorMale,” allowing audience members to feel connected to the performance while experiencing the full impact of the multimedia presentation.

The venue’s location in Asbury Park, a city with a long history of LGBTQ+ inclusion and artistic expression, further enhances the contextual significance of the performance, placing it within a community that has often been at the forefront of social progress and creative innovation in New Jersey.

Part of Broader Festival Programming

As a component of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, “She’s NorMale” joins a diverse array of performances spanning Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City throughout June 2025. Its inclusion highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing works that not only entertain but also challenge audiences to expand their understanding of different lived experiences.

The performance exemplifies the festival’s mission to elevate art that fosters connection across differences and celebrates the rich diversity of New Jersey’s communities. By programming “She’s NorMale” alongside music, comedy, visual arts, and other performance formats, the festival creates a tapestry of experiences that reflects the multifaceted nature of contemporary culture.

For audience members seeking bold, innovative performance art that transcends traditional categorization, “She’s NorMale” offers a unique opportunity to witness a truly transformative theatrical experience that promises to leave attendees “forever changed by the courage and artistry on display.”

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