Carlotta’s story coming to TV

Australian transgender pioneer and Sydney nightlife royalty, Carlotta, will have her groundbreaking story told in an upcoming ABC1 telemovie.

The first transgender surgery patient to come to public attention – and notoriety – in the 1970s, Carlotta was the headline act of the iconic Kings Cross cabaret show Les Girls in 1960s and ’70s.

The performer collaborated with writer David Hannam to tell her inspiring story.

Carlotta will be a “universal story about identity, family, tolerance and acceptance”, the ABC said today.

“Carlotta lays bare the life of a confused teenager named Richard, his flight into the hedonistic Kings Cross of the ’60s and ’70s, and his transformation into Carol.”

The telemovie, which goes into production on May 6, stars Australian stage and screen legends Caroline O’Connor, Alex Dimitriades, Eamon Farren and Paul Capsis.

Packed to the Rafters‘ Jessica Marais will take on the lead role of Carlotta.

“[Carlotta is] a love story and an outsider tale about an exceptional woman’s desire to be ordinary, hers is an extraordinary life, lived in changing times,” producers Lara Radulovich and Riccardo Pellizzeri said.

“I am absolutely delighted and flattered that this story is being brought to the screen as my main motivation is to show anyone who may be struggling with their gender, or struggling to gain acceptance from their family and society at large – that you can do it. Stand tall, know who you are and be proud of yourself, as acceptance comes from within.” Carlotta said.