Gay Americans have given a tremendous amount of time and talent to the American Theatre. On Monday, June 11th, American Theatre gives back in San Francisco.
Six all-new, short plays premiere as part of the Marriage Equality Plays in a night benefiting AFER, Americans Foundation for Equal Rights.
Tom Bruett, the creator and organizer of the event, asked six playwrights, three directors, 18 actors, SF's premier improv troupe BATS, and supportive businesses J-Lohr Vineyards and Bi-Rite Market to donate their time and voices in a critical season for equal rights. Political leaders Dennis Herrera, City Attorney of San Francisco, and Supervisors Mark Farrell and Scott Wiener will also be in attendance.
"The phrase Marriage Equality has become a political talking point for liberals and conservatives alike," Bruett said. "The goal with the Marriage Equality Plays is to share a human side of a polarizing political issue."
After the event on June 11, all of the plays will be available to download for free off the Marriage Equality Plays website.
Bruett says, "Our hope is that communities around the country will come together and share these human stories with one another. The goal would be for other groups to present readings of the plays to benefit non-profits that are fighting for equality, like AFER."
The plays will be performed one night only at Fort Mason.
"People from a wide range of backgrounds are coming together as a community to share these stories and that's what it's all about. That is what's going to bring about change."