Long Live the Rainbow

BACKGROUND:

A friend told me an unbelievable true story about something that happened in Toronto in the 1970's: two men, together now for over 50 years, met in the waiting room of a doctor who "treated" gay men with electro-shock aversion therapy. This play is a fictional account of that first encounter and the events surrounding it. The characters are also fictional and not intended to represent anyone living or dead.

SYNOPSIS:

At a birthday celebration, stories are shared that take us on a journey through Twentieth Century 2SLGBTQ+ activism in Canada.

In 1972, two men meet in the waiting room of a scientist who treats “homosexual deviants” with electric shocks to make them “normal.” (This is the true event that inspired the play). Roger, a teacher in the Catholic school system, is desperate to banish the supposed "sickness" inside him. Matt, a prostitute and budding journalist, is forced into electro-shock treatment by the courts. Can Matt, using his street smarts, find a way out?

Enter Moe/Moereen, an immigrant with a mysterious past. They serve as an anchor for Roger & Matt, by showing them what unconditional love might look like.

Enter Sandy & Jo, radical lesbians broadcasting from their minivan in downtown Toronto. As the heartbeat of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Sandy & Jo evade police and risk their lives, all while delivering latest breaking news.

You will watch the struggles of Roger & Matt, as they both wrestle with their pasts and strive for a better future, with lots of community support along the way. We hope their story inspires you to come and celebrate with us.

OUR FABULOUS CREATIVE TEAM:

Robbie Norquay, Playwright

Ivana Obradovich, Director

Iris Asserlind, Stage Manager

OUR FABULOUS CAST:

Ganesh Thava, as Moe/Moereen

Philip Cairns, as Matt Senior

Mike Smith, as Roger Senior

Gino Lorenzo Marocco, as Matt

Kay Wong, as Roger

Iqbal Faizer, as Dr. Snuf

Molly McKenzie, as Nurse

Emilia Carpineta-Gaul, as Sandy

Prisciilla Dhaussy, as Jo

Chris MacCallum, as Tommy

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