The Temperamentals
Theatre

Playwright Jon Marans brings to life a diverse group of individuals in this intelligent, sexy and entertaining mix of politics, history, camp humour and emotional candour.

Click here for tickets!

  • When

    7 February - 3 March

    8pm (Wed-Sat), 5pm (Sun), 2pm (3 Mar, no eve show on that date)

  • Where

    New Theatre
    542 King St,
    Newtown, New South Wales

    View map

    Wheel Chair Access

  • Cost

    $30, $25 (Conc./SGLMG Members)

Get tickets

Gay activism didn’t start with the Stonewall riots in 1969.

Two decades earlier, a group of gay men in California dared to declare their sexuality to form the first gay rights organisation in America. 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 depicts the birth of The Mattachine Society and the love affair between its two founders: Harry Hay, a teacher and Communist Party member, and Rudi Gernreich, a young Holocaust survivor and Hollywood costume designer (who would later find fame as the creator of the topless swimsuit!)

Playwright Jon Marans brings to life a diverse group of individuals in this intelligent, sexy and entertaining mix of politics, history, camp humour and emotional candour.

"Mixing genuine pathos with moments of affection and humour ... The Temperamentals tells an important, little-heard story about life pre-gay liberation, and it’s skilfully told by a passionate cast. It’s sure to be one of the highlights of the Mardi Gras theatre season." -  Star Observer review

"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 review
The Temperamentals portrays with empathy the reality of being gay in the homophobic, buttoned-up era of Eisenhower and McCarthy and New Theatre is proud to present the Australian premiere of this award-winning play.

 

“This is an essential experience for anyone who thinks the Gay Pride Parade has always been around. The world has changed, and this wonderful play shows us how and why.” (Audience member, original Broadway production)

Directed by Kevin Jackson
Set Design: Tom Bannerman
Lighting Design: Brenda Hartley

Cast: Mark Dessaix, Doug Hansell, Ben McIvor, Brett Rogers and Daniel Scott


 







Photographs (c) Bob Seary

Related Events

The Paris Letter by Jon Robin Baitz

A complex and lethal affair with a young male associate forces successful businessman Sandy Sonenberg to confront a lifetime of half-buried desires. Click here for tickets!  

Mardi Gras Twitter Feed