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.
COOMA LITTLE THEATRE
Saturday May 29
2pm & 7:30pm
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.
Duration: 55 minutes
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
Lighting Design and Tech Operation by Liz Sherlock
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 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, Sarah Clarke, Lauren Lloyd Williams, Anne and Robbie Salvestro, Tom Brown, James Hanna, The Monaro Post, Cooma Little Theatre, Cooma Visitors Centre, Creative Partnerships Australia and the 90 donors of the Australian Cultural Fund campaign for the 2020 Adelaide Fringe season.