Variety: A star-filled courtroom drama makes its stage debut on Monday, but the intent of this one-night Broadway outing isn't boffo box office but public influence.
The play is "8," Dustin Lance Black's account of the Prop. 8 trial that unfolded over three weeks in January 2010, eventually leading to U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling declaring California's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. With a cast that includes John Lithgow, Morgan Freeman, Ellen Barkin, Rob Reiner and Anthony Edwards, the reading at the Eugene O' Neill Theater will benefit the court effort to overturn Prop. 8.
5 comments:
I'd be interested to see what specific angle the play takes, and if it restates all the typical arguments (from each side) that we hear over and over. I also think that if this show becomes popular, and is making some pro-8 people think twice about it, the opposition could release the actual courtroom tapes, point out everything that is not completely accurate in the show, and use that to convince people not to take it seriously/
I think this is the perfect kind of show to raise awareness of the issue. By presenting the show as a courtroom drama it encourages people who are not already sympathetic to gay-marriage to watch. I enjoy Black's approach to the show; making sure that the opposing argument's strongest points are portrayed. It says how weak their augment really is that Black doesn't have to characterize them to make his point. I think after "8" (if it catches on) more people will want to see the real tapes. Maybe demand will release them. Black is is incredibly smart to portray the opposition accurately. If the pro-8 people are portrayed accurately but are still seen as wrong, then when people see the real tapes they can't say Black was unfair; or sue him for slander or libel.
Someone mentioned last week that producing a play about gay rights in New York is "preaching to the choir", but this is another example of an issue that needs to be discussed. There are a multitude of facets and legal debates involved in the Prop 8 case that stand to change legal marriage for the entire United States. Many people have no idea of the widespread and permeating effects of the passing, and repeal of gay marriage in California. Another great thing about the passing of gay marriage in NY, is that all these issues are being discussed, in plays or otherwise.
I'm glad that this play is happening in this capacity. I think that by making it about the trail and prop 8, I think it will reach a broader audience. I also think that it could be really great, it is sort of like a modern day to kill a mocking bird. It is relevant to our time and a social issue that we are dealing with in a court setting. Another thing that this play should touch upon is that this issue is not closed prop 8 is making/ has made it's way to the supreme court and is still a very hot issue.
I this this is fabulous! It just shows that theatre can really help issues that are currently going on. This play will raise money and awareness for the appeal of prop 8. I'm glad to see that there is theatre happening in a commercial setting that can effect change. It shows that not all Broadway shows have to be fluff and just for tourists. I hope this show reaches people who aren't sure how they feel about prop 8 and not just liberals.
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