Wed 16 Sep 2009 In: Performance View at Wayback View at NDHA
The lovingly-created and lavishly-illustrated book won a Montana Book Award this year, and now Mates always have been," he says. "I thought: 'I have to do this play'". Aiming to cover a wide range of stories stretching way back from 1770 through to 2009, Nelson is aware that he's putting his actors through their paces. "It's just two guys playing all the various characters. It's intense, but I like that intensity," he laughs. The two lead actors Sam McLeod and Kent Seaman, who are both gay themselves, are rehearsing now for the opening night next week. With some choreography, nudity, singing, and an assortment of emotional and at times harrowing scenes, they have their work cut out. "Our actors know they are bringing real people back to life, and are keenly aware of and feel responsible for these stories. They know they carry a lot on their shoulders," the playwright says. Intimate stories: Actors Sam McLeod Mates