MARK SALVESTRO
actor - writer - producer
‘Compelling and must-see theatre' - Melbourne Observer.
An award-winning solo show exploring forbidden love in 1960s Australia, laced with the words of Shakespeare.
BEGA UNITING CHURCH
125 Gipps Street, Bega
Friday 27 August & Saturday 28 August
7:30pm (60 minutes)
A University Office, 1962: homosexuality is illegal.
Junior lecturer, William O’Halloran,
has been dismissed from his probationary position.
His secret is out.
As he packs up his beloved belongings,
William recalls the defining decisions
that have lead him to this moment.
But time is ticking away.
His wife Lola is due to arrive any minute.
And the curtain is soon to rise
on the student union production of Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers isn’t the only
forbidden love story on campus.
And the leading man knows this all too well…
‘A masterful performance’ - Stage Whispers.
‘The Will To Be’ is an exploration of Australia’s queer history, societal shame, and a defiant cry to speak truth to power.
Content Warning: sexual references, not suitable for persons under 15 years of age.
Photo by Sare Clarke Photography
Written, Produced and Performed by Mark Salvestro
Co-Presented by Theatre Onset
Sound Design by Steve Carnell
Set Design by Carmody Nicol
Costume Design by Oliver Ross
Photography by Sare Clarke & Darren Gill
*Best Theatre*
‘Beautifully crafted…exceptionally performed’ - Weekend Notes.
Photo by Sare Clarke Photography
Photo by Sare Clarke Photography
Photo by Sare Clarke Photography
Photo by Sare Clarke Photography
Special thanks to Art Month Sapphire Coast, Bega Valley Shire Council, South East Arts, Bega Valley Regional Gallery, Bendigo Bank, Theatre Onset, National Bushfire Recovery Agency, James Hanna, Phil Evans and the Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia, acting coaches Sarah Hallam, Phoebe Anne Taylor (and Graphic Designer!), Emma Louise Pursey and Danielle Cresp, dramaturgy consultant Mark Pritchard, promo trailer team: William Lee, Scott Pope, Harrison Byrne and Andy Berry-Brown, La Mama Theatre, Midsumma Festival, Melbourne Fringe, Adelaide Fringe and Anne and Robbie Salvestro.
