The Temperamentals by Jon Maran
A follow up to the Mark Dessaix interview, this is a quick little foray into The Temperamentals by Jon Maran. The promo blurb notes that:
“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. The Temperamentals 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.”
Here is the token Wikipedia article but a far more interesting source of insight comes from the New York Times review of the original off-Broadway production, which was directed by Jonathan Silverstein. Be sure to check out the public comments at the bottom of the article - there is an extraordinary range of responses, including one man who challenges those who have always believed Mardis Gras and the like to be given events: “There was a time, which I knew first-hand, when gay men hid in anonymous suits, met only in painfully restricted circumstances, and feared any sort of public disclosure.”
The New is one of the oldest independent theatres in Sydney and is producing The Temperamentals as part of Mardis Gras Festival 2012. It seems to be a contested point whether Maran renders human ambiguity faithfully or with a heavy hand. Check it out and see what you think.
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 (conditions apply) | Student Rush $17 (conditions apply)
