A brown-skinned trans woman with blonde-streaked hair and a red bindi, holding a microphone and standing in front of a wall covered in colourful vinyl records.

Illuminating, raw, honest and hopeful, How to Fail as a Popstar is Vivek’s debut theatrical work, chronicling her journey to “not quite” pop music superstardom. A reflection on the power of pop culture, dreams, disappointments and self-determination, this astonishing performance is a triumph in finding one’s authentic voice.

Now available: a print edition from Arsenal Pulp Press, with colour photographs and a new foreword and afterword.

  • Play and original songs written and performed by Vivek Shraya
  • Composition by Vivek Shraya & James Bunton
  • Directed by Brendan Healy
  • Set and costume designer: Joanna Yu
  • Lighting designer: C.J. Astronomo
  • Associate lighting designer: Imogen Wilson
  • Sound designer: James Bunton
  • Choreographer: William Yong
  • Photography by Heather Saitz
  • A Canadian Stage production