What happens when religious beliefs and atheism collide in a hospital waiting room? The answer lies with Next Fall.
LGBTI plays often deal with the same old themes. Homophobia, AIDS, prejudice, politics and family are often under the spotlight, but one issue that currently resonates for many is that of religion.
Next Fall, written by Geoffrey Nauffts, takes a look at a gay relationship that comes under religious scrutiny, when a couple and their families are faced with tragedy.
Set in New York, the story revolves around Luke and Adam. Luke believes in God, in fact he’s a born again Christian, while Adam is an atheist. When a car accident puts Luke in hospital, friends and family descend upon the hospital forming a vigil for the comatose Luke. What follows is an intense, even cathartic look at people’s ideals, beliefs and understandings of life, as the people in Luke’s life are forced together in a life and death situation.
Playing the part of Luke is Mark Davis (Winners & Losers), while Darrin Redgate reprises his role of Adam from last year’s successful Sydney season at the Seymour Centre.
“The challenge was not to overplay, but to keep Adam real and ensure his charm and wit was not lost in his ideals and ailments,” says Darrin.
“In many respects, the character is very like me, opinionated, atheist, witty and charming, I’m told, with a firm belief that if you can’t see or touch it then it isn’t real. But he’s probably more extreme about things than I am, especially his fears and hypochondria. I think Adam’s situation will resonate with a lot of people – that lack of self-confidence and belief that he has under-achieved, feeling a bit of an outcast. He’s the underdog, and Aussies love an underdog.”
For Mark, taking on the role of Luke meant taking on the ideas and viewpoints he would not normally have considered.
“One of the key themes of the play is judgement,” says Mark.
“It was important to research religion and sexuality with a very open mind. It’s important for me not to present an idea of these topics, but to really understand my characters point of view. Luke’s Christian beliefs are a bone of contention for he and Adam, and for me, having not set foot in a church since a schoolboy, I had some demons to address! It’s kind of nice playing someone who’s just an open and optimistic guy.”
Also in the cast are Sharon Davis (Killing Time) as Adam’s boss Holly, James Biasetto (A Streetcar Named Desire) as Luke’s closeted ex-lover Brandon, Paul Robertson (The Merchant of Venice) as Luke’s gruff father Butch, and in the role of mother Arlene, is renowned Green Room Award-winning artist Kaarin Fairfax.
Director Peter Blackburn, who has a long history in theatre, also co-directed the 2014 Australian Theatre Company’s production of Holding the Man in Los Angeles.
Playing into the hand of religion, another underlying issue of the play is that of same-sex marriage, and the family conflict in a hospital setting is reminiscent of the AIDS-themed dramas of the Nineties – where family members would ‘pull rank’.
Described as heartwarming and formulaic with sitcom qualities, New York theatre critic David Cote put it as, ‘the little play that could’. It was nominated for Best Play at the 2010 Tony Awards and won the Drama Desk award for Most Outstanding Play, catching the eye of Sir Elton John, who produced it on Broadway in 2010.
In fact, the heart and essence behind Next Fall’s message has not only resonated with audiences and producers, but none so more than the cast themselves.
“The thing I’ve learned most from this play is to appreciate every minute of life,” says Darrin. “To enjoy how wonderful it is and remember that, as often as possible. There are strong undertones of marriage equality within the script, and it’s my hope that people will energise around the importance of the issue.”
Mark couldn’t agree more. “I think people will leave feeling supported in regard to Australia’s current failure on marriage equality. After my first reading of the play I felt inspired to reach out to the people I care about, and make sure they know I love them regardless of our differences.”
Next Fall is playing at The Loft Theatre in Chapel Off Chapel from July 12 to 30
