LIHU‘E — “8,” a new play chronicling the federal trial for marriage equality, makes its Hawaiian debut tonight in Lihu‘e. The production, directed by local actor Ross Martineau, begins at 7 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center.
LIHU‘E — “8,” a new play chronicling the federal trial for marriage equality, makes its Hawaiian debut tonight in Lihu‘e.
The production, directed by local actor Ross Martineau, begins at 7 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center.
Written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black, the play premiered on Broadway in September 2011. Using actual court transcripts, first-hand observations and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families, the 80-minute trial reenactment presents both sides of the debate surrounding marriage rights for gay and lesbian Americans.
Sponsored by AFER and Broadway Impact, the reading is being put on locally by the YWCA of Kaua‘i, Lambda Aloha, PFLAG Kaua‘i and Malama Pono.
Like most across the country, Saturday’s production will be followed by a community talk-back, during which the cast and audience members will have an opportunity to discuss the issues presented in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8.
Renae Hamilton, executive director of the YWCA of Kaua‘i, will act as panel moderator. Martineau and the Rev. Bill Miller of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will serve as additional panel members.
Cast members include household names like David Penhallow Scott, Ron Wood, Jeff Demma, Jennifer Downs, Laurie Aguayo and Arnold Meister.
Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door and are available at YWCA in Lihu‘e, Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo, Healthy Hut in Kilauea, Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe and Larry’s Music in Kapa‘a.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
