HOLDING
THE MAN
- 9 Mar – 14 Apr 24 Upstairs Theatre
The love story which defined a generation, and a classic of the Australian stage, in a brand new production.
At a Jesuit boys’ school, in 1970s Australia, Tim’s eye falls on the footy captain, John. To their mutual incredulity, they fall in love. A love that lasts as they — and the society around them — change, mature.
When they both test positive to something called HIV, dreams, liberations, boundless possibilities vanish into the ether. But Tim and John have each other, and they’ll need to hold on tight for what’s to come.
Deeply felt, frank and moving, Tim Conigrave’s memoir of living and dying changed Australia. Tommy Murphy’s 2006 adaptation became an instant hit, and brought a new audience to this heartfelt and laugh-out-loud-in-the-sadness story of queer identity and the quirks of love.
Tim’s book is more than a memoir, it’s a social history of our country told through the love and lives of a gay couple – particularly that vanishing time of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Tommy’s adaptation is joyful and bold and crying out for a new production as we reach the thirtieth anniversary of Tim’s death. And these two actors are perfect, perfect for it. It feels right to return it to the Sydney stage so we can remember what we lost and remind ourselves what we found. – Eamon
