Finding Bobbi

Director: Scot Morison
Release Year: 2019

Finding Bobbi: A Search for Self (2019), directed by Scot Morison, offers a deeply moving and reflective journey through the life of a transgender actor as she reconnects with her passion for theatre. The documentary unfolds as Bobbi Charlton, a seasoned actor, returns to the stage after a 23-year hiatus, taking on the role of Aunt Eller in an LGBTQ+-inclusive production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Oklahoma! at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This return to the stage, after such a long absence, represents more than just a performance - it's a journey of rediscovery, self-acceptance, and personal transformation.

 

Returning to something after a long pause is always a daunting prospect, not because one doubts their abilities or skills, but because the time that has passed may cast shadows over the experience, making one wonder whether they are still the same person they were before. This sentiment is amplified when the return involves deeply personal and life-changing experiences. For Bobbi Charlton, this return to the stage is charged with additional layers of complexity, as her 23-year absence from acting coincides with her transition from male to female, a journey that began in 2010 when she was 53 years old. The documentary Finding Bobbi captures her incredible story, exploring the intersection of her professional and personal transformation. 

 

The film introduces Bobbi Charlton as a warm, vibrant, and immediately endearing woman, whose openness about her gender dysphoria and the challenges of transitioning is nothing short of inspiring. Her candidness in discussing the intimate details of her life, struggles, and triumphs creates a deep connection with the audience. Bobbi’s narrative is interwoven with moments of backstage footage from the Oklahoma! rehearsal process, offering a unique look at the behind-the-scenes dynamics of bringing a production to life. Through interviews with Bobbi’s friends, family members, and the director of the production, Bill Rauch, the film presents a rich and multifaceted portrait of a woman who has endured so much, yet continues to approach life with joy, humor, and an unyielding spirit. 

 

One of the documentary's strengths lies in its use of home videos, photographs, and local footage that document Bobbi’s life and career over the years. These personal materials allow the audience to connect more deeply with Bobbi’s story, providing a context for her journey beyond her own narration. The archival footage offers glimpses into Bobbi’s past, showing both her pre-transition life as Robert and her post-transition experiences as Bobbi, making her transformation all the more powerful. Director Scot Morison effectively uses these materials to shape the pacing of the film, building a narrative that feels both personal and universal. The inclusion of music, along with the reconstruction of key events in Bobbi’s life, elevates the film from a simple documentary to something much more compelling and poignant. At just 66 minutes long, Finding Bobbi offers a relatively brief but immersive experience. While the film could have benefitted from a longer runtime to delve even deeper into Bobbi’s journey, it succeeds in giving the audience a meaningful and heartfelt glimpse into her life. The film is a testament to her strength, resilience, and the power of self-expression, capturing Bobbi’s radiant energy and sense of purpose. 

 

Finding Bobbi offers more than just a look at an actor returning to the stage. It is an exploration of identity, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to live authentically. Bobbi Charlton’s journey through gender dysphoria and her eventual transition is both heartbreaking and uplifting. The documentary touches on her experiences growing up and living as a person who felt trapped in the wrong body during a time when transgender individuals faced widespread discrimination and lack of understanding. The film chronicles Bobbi’s perseverance through difficult years, providing an insightful look into her struggles with gender identity, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment. It also highlights the courage it took for her to come out and live as her true self, despite the hurdles she faced, and how the theatre became a space where she could find both expression and healing. Bobbi’s passion for acting never faded, even during the years she was away from the stage, and this return to the theatre in the role of Aunt Eller offers her an opportunity to reconnect with her art while continuing her journey toward self-acceptance. 

 

Bobbi’s portrayal of Aunt Eller in Oklahoma! serves as a pivotal moment in both her professional and personal life. The production itself is unique in that it features a gender-bending interpretation of the iconic musical, highlighting the fluidity and diversity of gender expression. As a transgender woman, Bobbi’s casting in this role is both meaningful and symbolic, representing a broader shift in the theatre world toward inclusivity and representation of LGBTQ+ stories. Aunt Eller, a beloved character in Oklahoma!, serves as a metaphor for Bobbi’s own journey of self-discovery - someone who is strong, resilient, and unwavering in her authenticity. As Bobbi navigates the rehearsal process, she not only reconnects with her craft but also builds a sense of community and support with her castmates, director Bill Rauch, and other members of the production team. The documentary captures the camaraderie that develops on set, offering a glimpse into the collaborative nature of theatre and the joy of working with others who share a commitment to creativity and expression. Through these interactions, we witness Bobbi’s growth, both as an actress and as a person. 

 

At its core, Finding Bobbi is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of living authentically. Bobbi’s story is one of courage in the face of adversity, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome obstacles and find joy in life’s journey. Her return to the stage is not just a professional milestone but a personal triumph - an affirmation that it is never too late to live your truth, pursue your dreams, and embrace the person you are meant to be. The film concludes with a sense of fulfillment and optimism, showcasing Bobbi’s remarkable journey and the profound impact it has had on her own life and the lives of those around her. It leaves the audience with a deep appreciation for Bobbi Charlton’s unwavering commitment to herself and her craft, and a reminder that the search for self is not always linear but is always worth the pursuit. 

 

In conclusion, Finding Bobbi is more than just a documentary about a transgender woman returning to the stage - it is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of authenticity. Bobbi Charlton’s story is a reminder that no matter the challenges life throws our way, we have the strength to overcome them, embrace our true selves, and find happiness and fulfillment. The documentary captures this journey with grace, humor, and empathy, offering an inspiring portrait of a woman who has, quite literally, found herself on her own terms.

 

via: youtube

 battleroyalewithcheese and imdb

Image credits: YouTube