Above The Stag, The UK’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ theatre, is delighted to announce that long-term collaborator and regular Above The Stag director, Andrew Beckett has be appointed as Artistic Director at the Vauxhall hub venue. Andrew’s first piece of programming will be the award-winning 1998 play by Diana Son, Stop Kiss, which will run for four weeks from 6th November until 1st December.
Stop Kiss follows the story of a young couple, Sarah and Callie, who are viciously attacked after sharing their first kiss. The attack leaves Sara horribly injured and in a coma; which becomes the crux of the play. Written in 1998 by Diana Son, the play explores relationships and the depth of human emotion and compassion. It will be produced by theatre maker and LGBT rights advocate Kylie Vilcins and directed by Rafaella Marcus.
The programming of Stop Kiss, coupled with its female-fronted creative team, comes as part of a decisive move to position Above The Stag as ever more inclusive for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, alongside their families, friends and supporters.
Andrew Beckett commenting on his artistic vision for his creative direction at Above The Stag said, “we are immensely proud of all the fantastic shows that Above The Stag have programmed over the last eleven years. But equally, we’re excited to begin to take our programming in a slightly new direction, further welcoming and showcasing the creative talents of all marginalised sexualities and genders and reaffirm our Vauxhall home as a safe space for all to enjoy.”
Producer Kylie Vilcins says, “I am honoured to be working with Above The Stag Theatre, embracing and implementing their new artistic vision and commitment to exploring the stories of the LGBTQ+ community. Stop Kiss is a play I have long wanted to produce and right now, unfortunately in light of the recently publicised homophobic attacks on women, feels like an extremely relevant and pertinent time to do so.”
Stop Kiss will run at Above The Stag 6th November to 1st December 2019.
