It’s always a delight when worlds collide, and I’ve been a massive fan of Vivek Shraya’s theatre and written work for years, so the opportunity to collaborate with her on the CBC Gem television adaptation of her play How to Fail as a Popstar was a no-brainer. They say never meet your heroes? I prefer to work with them. Ha.

A bit on the series from the CBC press release below:

“What happens when a star isn’t born? An adaptation of Vivek Shraya’s hit play and subsequent book How To Fail as a Popstar, the CBC Gem original series of the same name answers this question with hilarity, vulnerability, a healthy dose of imagination, and of course, music. The series tracks the journey of a young queer brown boy growing up in Edmonton trying to achieve pop stardom and what went almost right along the way – from the perspective of the now 40-something trans femme artist that boy became.

Starring Shraya alongside Adrian Pavone (Star Trek: Discovery, Grand Army), and Chris D’Silva (Slumberland, The Handmaid’s Tale) as Vivek at various stages of life. Written by Shraya, the CBC Gem original comedy series is directed by Vanessa Matsui (Son of a Critch, Midnight at the Paradise) with Shraya co-directing one episode. The cast also includes Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves (Sort Of, Y: The Last Man, Star Trek: Discovery), Nadine Bhabha (Letterkenny, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Terror Train), Arwen Humphreys (Murdoch Mysteries, Run the Burbs), Eric Johnson (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, American Gods, Vikings), Vanessa Matsui (Ghost BFF, Letterkenny, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments), and introducing Aayushma Sapkota in her first role. “

As a consulting producer on the project, I got to work closely with Vivek and I feel like I learned so much from her through the process of translating HTFAAPS to the screen. The show is funny, and thoughtful, and unapologetically queer. I feel very proud to be associated with it.

All eight episodes are available to stream on CBC Gem now! And check out Vivek’s other work. She’s a real force.

EDIT: I’ve included some photos below from the screening and panel Reel Asian Film Festival held for the series on November 16th, 2023. Got an opportunity to hang out on the red carpet and moderate as well. Full credit for all photos goes to Jess Baumung!