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Holding the Man (Chapel Off Chapel) – theatre review

Based on a memoir by the late Timothy Conigrave, playwright Tommy Murphy has given us an up close and personal look at a 15-year gay relationship. It starts in the teen years and works its way through to the HIV/AIDS crisis of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Tim (Gene Efron) has his eyes on the school football captain John (Jack Stratton-Smith) and makes a play for him, which pays off.

What starts out as a crush becomes physical. In spite of parental concerns, the relationship evolves. While John is happy to maintain their exclusivity, Tim is not. Tim pursues a career as an actor, while John becomes a chiropractor. AIDS rears its ugly head and for too many becomes a life sentence. Holding The Man is a fiercely honest representation of what it is like to pursue one’s natural instincts.

Photos by Phoebe Taylor

It works us through the highs and lows, the excitement and fear inherent in a meaningful and long-lasting homosexual relationship. It is tender and funny and sad. In short, it is authentic and that is why it plays so well. There’s a quantum shift in disposition after interval as a more carefree world is left behind. That requires a movement in sensitivities by the cast, in particular the main players, who do a fine job with the material.

Efron does much of the heavy lifting and readily channels the mood swings required of the lead. Stratton-Smith also impresses as his grounded partner, whose steadiness of character comes to the fore. Around them, the four other cast members (Lily Johnson, Ross Larkin, Morgan Dooley-Axup and Ryan Henry) are adept at playing multiple roles – primarily as parents, friends and lovers.

With assured direction from Cal Robinson-Taylor, Holding The Man moves along at pace and remains engaging throughout. First published as a theatrical piece in November 2006, among other accolades it won the Australian Writers’ Guild Award for Best Play. It is not hard to see why. Almost a generation later, it stands up well.

Holding The Man is playing at Chapel Off Chapel until 8th October.

Alex First

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