AUBURN - In its first theatrical production, the First Universalist Church of Auburn will present "Hidden: A Gender," a play by Kate Bornstein, the first three days in June. Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee, this play will meet its mission of educating the church and wider community about GLBT issues.

"Hidden: A Gender" tells the stories of two people as they transition from one gender identity to another. Herculine Barbin, an actual historic figure from Victorian France, was a young orphan raised female until her male genitalia descended at the age of 22. Herman Amberstone's piece chronicles the somewhat fictionalized story of Kate Bornstein's own transition from biological male to transsexual female. Both stories are interwoven with the bittersweet ironies of life, both comical and tragic, examining the fundamental differences between sex and gender.

The cast includes many members of the Auburn Unitarian Universalist congregation: Charlotte Lehmann playing Doc Grinder, the ring-leader of the play; the show's director and co-producer Araminta (Mina) Matthews as Herman; Pat Phillips portraying Herculine, Abner Goodwin as Doctor Weener/first actor, and Claire Hebert as second actor. Other players include community members Dick Thomas as Mr. Blunt) and Linda Sherwood as Doctor Razor.

Members of the crew include congregation members Susan Jalbert, Susan Conley and Dollie Simmons, as well as community member Rory Fowlie.

Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday, June 1, and Saturday June 2. Tickets are $12 general admission/$10 for senior citizens and students. Tickets for the 2 p.m. show Sunday, June 3, $10 general admission/$8 for senior citizens or students. Advance ticket sales are also available until May 27, with a $2 discount off the original ticket price. Call 783-0461 to order, or uuauburn@verizon.net.

A panel discussion will follow each performance, to address questions and concerns raised by the production.

First Universalist Church is at 169 Pleasant St.

Due to the adult content of this play, no one under 16 will be admitted without a parent or guardian present.