The Temperamentals

By Jon Marans

7 February – 3 March 2012

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE, presented in association with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Long before Stonewall, a few brave men spoke up.

In the closeted USA of the early 1950s, ‘temperamental’ was code for ‘homosexual’, part of a created language of secret words that gay men used to communicate.

Jon Marans’s play tells the story of political activist Harry Hay and Hollywood costume designer Rudi Gernreich, who fell in love while forming America’s first gay rights organisation, The Mattachine Society.

Gay history is brought to life in this intelligent, sexy and entertaining mix of politics, camp humour and emotional candour.

CREATIVE TEAM
Director Kevin Jackson
Set Designer Tom Bannerman
Lighting Designer Brenda Hartley
Costume Designer Robyn Monkhouse
Sound Designer Nate Edmondson

CAST
Mark Dessaix, Douglas Hansell, Ben McIvor, Brett Rogers, Daniel Scott

PERFORMANCE TIMES
7 – 19 February: Wed – Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 5pm
22 February – 3 March: Wed – Sat @ 8pm, Sat @ 2pm

TICKET PRICES
Full $30 | Concession $25 | Groups (10+) $25 | Previews (7& 8 February @ 8pm) $15
“Pay What You Can” Sunday 12 February @ 5pm | Student Rush $17

RUNNING TIME
2 hours 20 minutes including interval

“Kevin Jackson’s five actors capture well the paranoia, campery and first confident self-knowledge of these courageous activists … A complex tapestry of historic and personal narratives” Stage Whispers

“Told with an injection of humour, honesty and with wonderful acting from all, make sure this is on the top of your Mardi Gras To Do list.” Alternative Media Group

“Thoughtful, extremely well acted” Oz Baby Boomers

“Both moving and funny, The Temperamentals is the story of a very brave group of men, and director Kevin Jackson has elicited powerful performances from his entire ensemble.” TheatreRed

“A lesson in the history of the gay liberation movement … Director Kevin Jackson elicits some good performances “ SMH

“Mixing genuine pathos with moments of affection and humour … An important, little-heard story about life pre-gay liberation, skilfully told by a passionate cast. It’s sure to be one of the highlights of the Mardi Gras theatre season.” Sydney Star Observer