We are taken back to 1986, where a legislative designation for a series of laws across Britain that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities. It was called Section 28, the most hated legislation of all time introduced by Margaret Thatcher.
Performed at the New Diorama Theatre in London earlier this year; After the Act is a musical by Breach Theatre company. Live music is performed onstage at the back with electro music that transports us right back to the 80’s. Entwined with verbatim theatre and interviews from real people and a story that meanders through the abolition of Section 28.
Performers Tika Mu’Tamir, Ellice Stevens, E M Williams and Zachary Willis bounce off each other brilliantly and bring the piece to life with zestful performances.
Feeling quite like a history lesson as well as a performance – I leave the performance knowing more about something than before. The worry of having too much information thrown at you was diluted by soulful dance and singing sequences.
Emotionally cathartic with characters like Daniel who brings in the subject of Aids and reminds us of the adverts of tomb stones and volcanoes, and says the first time he heard of homosexuality was through these adverts. Another character Mark who comes to terms with his sexuality through watching the denial of Blanche in Streetcar Named Desire. Through hearing these real-life stories, we understand why it was so difficult to come to terms with sexuality and just how far we have come. However, more work is still to be done as ‘we are now living through Section 28 of the trans community.’
The style was hard hitting and made us feel fury in our heart towards the end. We are left with a positive, feisty tone on the demonstration of 2000 people at the protest in Manchester. Be an advocate for yourself, stop allowing people to not be who they are.
Sign language is also put at the front to make this show accessibly to everyone. A well thought out, emotional and educational piece of vibrant theatre.
