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PREVIEW: The Lovers, an exploration of gender, sexuality and LGBTQ representation

Alice Blezard February 23, 2015

The Lovers offers a multimedia theatre performance examining what makes us fall in love, and an exploration of what happens when we lose control of our senses.

Spun Glass Theatre

DRAWN into a visceral space illuminated by live animation, the audience finds itself immersed inside the world of the four lovers from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

A new take on a classic tale, Spun Glass Theatre’s production delves into themes of LGBTQ and unauthorised love. The Lovers follows Anthony and Theodore, a same-sex couple who plan to run away together in search of a more tolerant society. They are followed into the woods by Elizabeth, who is in love with Theodore – and she is followed in turn by Helena, who pines for Elizabeth’s love.

The show was first developed as a scratch weekend, with four actors in Brighton. It now enters its research and development phase, with the generous support of the Arts Council England and their promotional partner, We Love Brighton. The Lovers will be available for touring in 2015/16.

The company has just launched a crowdfunding campaign via IdeasTap, to raise further support for the project whilst also offering rewards to backers including workshops with theatre and animation professionals.

Free Symposium events will be held at The Blue Man Café in Brighton, featuring a panel of representatives from the arts and various charities including Lunch Positive and Mind Out. Short previews of their work-in-progress will also be performed, followed by informal discussion.

By opening up their work and the rehearsal process to audiences across the country, Spun Glass Theatre hope to involve a large and diverse audience in the discussion of LGBTQ representation onstage. In live-streaming the symposiums through their Spun Glass Theatre YouTube channel, the company hope to engage people in the discussion of these issues, as well as The Lovers production.

Audiences can join in at home by asking questions and sharing opinions on Facebook and Twitter (@Spun_Glass) using #loversplay.


Symphonium 

Where: Blue Man Café

When: Thursday, February 26

Time: 7.30 p.m. (RSVP jessica@spunglasstheatre.com to attend)

Cost: Free


Work-In-Progress Performance

Where: The Marlborough, 4 Prince’s Street, Brighton

When: Wednesday, March 11

Time: 7.45 p.m.

For more information click here:

 

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