Well, here’s something unique, unusual and kind of fun — a new theatre group presenting a play which I haven’t heard of before. And yet the plays’ pedigree almost insists that we pay attention.
The Catalyst Theatre Network, which was started by Jennifer Rockwood at the University of Toledo earlier this year, is presenting a staged reading of the politically charged play “8” by Dustin Lance Black. Now you may not have heard of this one either, but it appears to be the ‘little play that did, could and still is!’
A courtroom drama based on California’s controversial 2010 ballot issue, Proposition 8, which effectively banned same-sex marriage in the state, “8” has been presented as a staged reading in star driven productions from New York to Los Angeles. It remains hugely popular with readings all over the country as election season heats up. Playwright Black, Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Milk” and “J. Edgar” who looks like an older Justin Beiber, says of his play, “The goal of “8” is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right and that those who would deny this basic freedom to loving, committed couples have only vitriol and baseless hyperbole to fall back on. The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light.”
The play does not just present an argument to ban same-sex marriage, but rather also shows that the joining of same-sex couples by marriage is to be celebrated. In fact, it is Black's presenting both sides of the coin that makes “8” an interesting and informative evening of education disguised as drama. And yet, in 2010, the election in California was so compelling that the nation held it's collective breath while arguably the most liberal state in the Union, and inarguably the largest state in the union by population, cast its vote to outlaw gay marriage. In the meantime, 6 states have passed laws in support of gay marriage.
“8” shows the philosophy and mindset of those both for the ban and against the ban. “8” has captured the nation's imagination in the same way that “The Vagina Monologues” has for many years. The play has become a ‘cause celebre’ for Hollywood with stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Martin Sheen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Lynch, George Takei and John C. Reilly taking the helm for a production just this past March. A New York production added star power from Morgan Freeman, John Lithgow, Bradley Whitford, Christine Lahti, Ellen Barkin, Rob Reiner, Bob Balaban and Yeardly Smith.
The Catalyst production is worth noting for 2 reasons: The fact that it is very much a “current event” play, the campaign for Proposition 8 taking place only 2 years ago; and the fact that the Catalyst is presenting this little gem at no charge. That’s right: FREE. So look no further than the Catalyst Theatre Network for an evening of political drama at the best price in the City. Production Note: After the performance, there will be a panel discussion with leaders from Equality Toledo.
8, by Dustin Lance Black, takes place 7:30pm Sunday, October 7 at Doermann Theatre on the UT campus, 2801 W. Bancroft St. 419-530-8888. www.utoledo.edu. Tickets are free.
