Diana Son’s lez/bi play is back with a female-fronted creative team
BY ABOVE THE STAG THEATRE. IMAGES PBGstudios
Above The Stag, The UK’s only dedicated LGBTQI theatre, recently announced long-term collaborator and regular Above The Stag director, Andrew Beckett, has been appointed as Artistic Director.
Especially wonderful for us is that, Andrew’s first piece of programming is the award-winning 1998 play by Diana Son, Stop Kiss, which has opened to overwhelming reviews from theatregoers and critics alike.
Following the story of young couple, Sarah and Callie, who are viciously attacked after sharing their first kiss, the attack leaves Sara horribly injured and in a coma – which becomes the crux of the play.
Written in 1998 by Diana Son, the play explores relationships and the depth of human emotion and compassion. It will be produced by theatre maker and LGBTQI rights advocate Kylie Vilcins and directed by Rafaella Marcus.
The programming of Stop Kiss, coupled with its female-fronted creative team, comes as part of a decisive move to position Above The Stag as ever more inclusive for everyone in the LGBTQI+ community, alongside their families, friends and supporters.
Andrew Beckett commenting on his artistic vision for his creative direction at Above The Stag said, “We are immensely proud of all the fantastic shows that Above The Stag have programmed over the last eleven years.
“But equally, we’re excited to begin to take our programming in a slightly new direction, further welcoming and showcasing the creative talents of all marginalised sexualities and genders and reaffirm our Vauxhall home as a safe space for all to enjoy.”
Producer Kylie Vilcins added: “I am honoured to be working with Above The Stag Theatre, embracing and implementing their new artistic vision and commitment to exploring the stories of the LGBTQI+ community.
“Stop Kiss is a play I have long wanted to produce and, right now, unfortunately in light of the recently publicised homophobic attacks on women, feels like an extremely relevant and pertinent time to do so.”
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Stop Kiss is currently playing at Above The Stag Theatre in Vauxhall, London, until 1 December 2019. For more information and to book tickets visit abovethestag.com. @abovethestag @abovethestagtheatre
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