In an unexpected twist, "Raygun: The Musical," a comedic theatrical production intended to parody Australian breaker Rachael Gunn's challenging journey to the Paris Olympics, faces cancellation due to legal threats. Steph Broadbridge, the musical's creator and lead, was scheduled to showcase the debut on Saturday at Kinselas in Darlinghurst, Sydney, when lawyers for Gunn issued a cease and desist letter, halting the performance.
In a statement shared with the Guardian, Gunn's legal team asserted their commitment to protecting her intellectual property and maintaining the reputation of her brand. The legal directive explicitly stated that Broadbridge was not allowed to include Gunn's signature “kangaroo dance” in her performance, a move that had gained notoriety from Gunn's Olympic experience.
Broadbridge, taking to Instagram to express her disappointment, shared her intention to revisit the project with a fresh perspective: "I plan for the show to be back soon... Everyone who bought a ticket will receive a refund," she said. Addressing concerns about potentially harming Gunn's image, she concluded, "They were worried I was damaging her brand, which I would never."
Gunn, who received harsh criticism following her Olympic performance and ultimately failed to earn any points, had previously signaled plans to continue competing. However, she later announced her retirement, citing the distress caused by the backlash she faced after her Olympic debut.
Many of Gunn's unconventional dance moves had gone viral after the games, especially the “sprinkler” and the “kangaroo-hop.” Now, in a bid to navigate the legal waters, Broadbridge has toyed with rebranding her character to "Raygun with an I" in a light-hearted effort to avoid disputes over originality.
Gunn’s legal representatives stated, “While we have immense respect for the credible work and effort that has gone into the development of the show, we must take necessary steps to safeguard Rachael's creative rights and the integrity of her work.” Their action intends to ensure Gunn's brand is adequately respected in all future projects.
As the world of breaking continues to evolve, the unfortunate cancellation of "Raygun: The Musical" highlights the tension between creativity and legalities in the competitive landscape of performance arts.
