Dustin Lance Black’s “8” to be performed at BSU
January 26, 2013 Leave a comment
Based on actual trial transcripts of the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case, which successfully challenged California’s discriminatory Prop. 8 marriage ban in federal court, Dustin Lance Black turned the courtroom showdown into a must see play.
On April 26th, Boise State’s Theater Arts Department will re-enact the battle over truth, equality and love in a one night only staged reading.
According to “8”‘s website, the performance is being presented by “BSU’s Theater Department, Women’s Center, Gender Studies program, Pride Foundation as well as other Boise State and community organizations.”
”8″ began as a one-night-only benefit in New York City — starring Morgan Freeman, Rob Reiner and Marisa Tomei, among others — but has since announced national plans, including a hugely watched live web streamed reading in Los Angeles that starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt and others.
According to a press release from the American Foundation for Equal Rights,”By using the actual trial transcripts intertwined with the powerful personal stories of the two couples challenging Prop. 8 in court, Dustin Lance Black’s play demonstrates why no American should be denied the fundamental freedom to marry the person they love.”
Black, who won an Academy Award for his inspiring screenplay “Milk”, also narrated 2010′s 8: The Mormon Proposition, which detailed the LDS church’s involvement in Prop 8. He also wrote the screenplay for 2011’s “J. Edgar.”
According to the “8”website, Tickets to the BSU performance are free. “Information regarding tickets will become available closer to the event. E-Mail Riley Caldwell O’Keefe or call Kali Furman at the BSU Women’s Center (208-426-5390) for further information>”
The performance is scheduled to begin at 7:30 P.M.
Following the performance there will be an open Q&A, “to learn more about the fight for equality in the Treasure Valley and Idaho at large.”