Age And Homosexuality (Press, 7 May 1986)

The Court Theatre is set to present two new productions that tackle the themes of age and homosexuality, each exploring the human experience through different narratives. The first play, "A Place on Earth," written by Canadian playwright Betty Jane Wylie and directed by lanthe Taylor, will open in the Court’s Studio on 9 May 1986. The story centres around an elderly woman, Peggy Woodgreen, portrayed by Shirley Kelly. Living alone in a single room, which she refers to as her "place on earth," Peggy grapples with feelings of despair and loneliness. Wylie, in preparation for the play, immersed herself in the life of a 65-year-old woman with limited resources, experiencing life in a similar situation herself. The narrative delves into Peggy's struggles to live on her meagre pension as a retired school teacher and widow while also confronting the trauma of rape. Taylor highlighted that although the play originates from Canada, its themes resonate locally, as they encountered similar situations experienced by individuals in New Zealand during their research, which involved consultations with organisations like the Arthritis Society and Rape Crisis. Following "A Place on Earth," the Court Theatre will debut "Torchsong Trilogy" by Harvey Fierstein on 17 May 1986, directed by Tony Taylor. This production is an anthology of three interrelated one-act plays that revolve around the experiences of the same characters. The narrative is unified through the character of Lady Blues, a nightclub singer, whose music underscores the poignant situations faced by the characters. The lead role of Arnold, a Jewish cabaret performer who identifies as homosexual, is played by Stuart Devenie. The narrative explores Arnold’s complex relationship with Ed, and the ensuing conflicts with Arnold's mother, portrayed by Judie Douglass. The play infuses New York-style humour, which lightens the weight of the characters' issues in relation to societal prejudices. The cast also includes Peter Elliot as Ed and a supporting ensemble of Jon Pheloung, Anthony Hodgson, and Alison Quigan. Mary Brennan steps in as Lady Blues, with John Densem accompanying her on piano. Both productions highlight significant social issues while showcasing strong performances, aiming to resonate with audiences through their exploration of deep, personal themes.

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