‘Evil, Unspeakable, And Not Quite Nice (Press, 29 April 1982)

On 29 April 1982, the first-ever gay revue in New Zealand, titled "Give us a kiss... and we'll tell you," was set to be performed in Christchurch at the Southern Ballet Theatre. The show, which spans three weeks on a national tour, takes a humorous and irreverent look at homosexuality, incorporating 20 fast-paced songs that touch on various elements of gay history, including notable events like the Stonewall riots and perspectives on biblical views of homosexuality. The music for the revue was primarily composed by William Dart, an Auckland-based composer and pianist, with some lyrics contributed by John Curry, an actor and director, and additional input from Ross Fraser. The concept for the show emerged after Dart was inspired by Mervyn Thompson's musical "Songs to the Judges," which explored Māori issues. Dart felt compelled to address other social issues like feminism and homosexuality through engaging and thought-provoking theatre, a decision further motivated by the recent suicide of a gay friend and the perceived dullness of existing gay theatre. Dart explained that their objective was not to create a show solely for a gay audience or one filled with activism but rather to entertain and provoke thought through wit and humour. He expressed that using humour to discuss sensitive topics can be an effective method for overcoming societal insecurities related to sexuality. Curry echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the performance avoids explicit content, aiming instead to present the normal lives of gay individuals while ultimately pushing for greater understanding and empathy among audience members. Curry noted that the show's title originated from a childhood joke and acknowledged that while the production is not political in intent, it still serves as a means to display a positive representation of gay lives. They both recognised the subtleties involved in confronting societal prejudices and hoped that by entertaining the audience, they could foster a more profound emotional connection and social awareness. The tour's timing coincides with the tenth anniversary of the gay rights movement in New Zealand, a fact they saw as significant, even if coincidental. Curry remarked on how the historical context surrounding gay experiences in New Zealand was finally beginning to emerge and become acknowledged in mainstream discussions. The show was anticipated to be provocative yet agreeable to the public, with both Dart and Curry believing that it would appeal to broad audiences without resorting to shock tactics. With the production, they aspired to challenge preconceived notions while employing laughter as a vehicle to discuss the complexities of sexuality and acceptance.

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