A comedian has had to cancel her plans for a musical based on the life of Raygun. The breakdancer’s representatives assert that this move is necessary to keep Raygun’s “brand strong and respected.”
Dr. Rachael Gunn, widely known by her stage name Raygun, was chosen to represent Australia in breakdancing at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. While she is not a doctor in the sport, she serves as a lecturer in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature at Macquarie University Faculty of Arts in Sydney.
Raygun’s performance, which included mimicking a kangaroo and snake movements, was described by audiences as “hilariously ridiculous.” Despite her efforts, she received a score of zero from the judges.
Following her newfound global recognition, Raygun appeared on the Jimmy & Nath Show on November 5, where she reflected on her experiences. During the show, she revealed her decision to retire from competitive breakdancing.
Raygun explained, “I’d still break, but I’m not going to compete anymore. I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult thing for me to do now, to approach a battle … I mean, I still dance and I still break but, that’s like in my living room with my partner.”
Even though she isn’t stepping away from dancing entirely, she has decided not to engage in elite competitions again.
Her story inspired Australian comedian Steph Broadbridge to create “Raygun: The Musical,” which was set to premiere in Sydney this month. However, the show was halted after Raygun’s team sent multiple letters to iD Comedy Club, the show’s promoter, threatening legal action if the performance went ahead.
Raygun’s legal team issued a statement saying: “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.
“This action is not intended to diminish the contributions of others, but rather to ensure her brand is properly represented and protected in all future endeavours.”
They further elaborated on a trademark application for the name “Raygun,” which is currently under review and expected to be approved.
“The use of the ‘Raygun’ name by a comedian without approval has caused confusion among the public, potentially leading them to believe that ‘Raygun The Musical’ had Rachael’s endorsement or approval,” they stated.
“This misuse of intellectual property is not only misleading but also jeopardises Rachael’s other commercial ventures, which rely on the integrity of her brand.”