2008 Woodie Awards
Controversial play opens this weekend
Brandon Williams
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: A&E
"It's really a complex play. It's a story of self-identity, love and conflict with each other. It's not a play about gay life," said "Stop Kiss" Director Rick Anderson.
The love story, written by Diana Son, concentrates on two women, Callie and Sara, whose friendship develops into an intimate relationship. However, when an onlooker sees the two women kiss, one of the women falls victim to a tragic hate crime.
"The story could be between anyone but it just happens to be between two women," said Anderson. "Stop Kiss" was first produced 10 years ago but it has never been performed on Kirkwood's stage.
In the past the play has been a bit controversial.
"The gay bashing comes in when people perceive others to be different from how they would like," said Anderson. The play deals with mature content such as issues of hate crimes, diversity and tolerance for all people.
Ashley Yates, who plays Callie, and Amanda Foreman, who plays Sara, are the leads. Cameron Byrd plays George, another lead character. The cast consists of six people.
"I really enjoyed working with a small group, actually being able to go from page to page," said Anderson.
This play in particular is completely different from others Anderson has directed in the past. "For one, there is no intermission. It's not in chronological order and the script requires us to jump locations," said Anderson.
Son, who also writes for the T.V. crime drama "Law & Order" has written other plays such as "Stealing Fire," "2000 Miles" and "Happy Birthday Jack."
"I've watched scenes from this play but have never seen it in its whole. It's much more of a modern piece. I really wanted the students to work in scenic breakdown," said Anderson.
"Stop Kiss" will be performed April 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 6 at 2 p.m.
All shows will be in Ballantyne Auditorium. Students, faculty and staff are admitted free with their EagleCard.
The love story, written by Diana Son, concentrates on two women, Callie and Sara, whose friendship develops into an intimate relationship. However, when an onlooker sees the two women kiss, one of the women falls victim to a tragic hate crime.
"The story could be between anyone but it just happens to be between two women," said Anderson. "Stop Kiss" was first produced 10 years ago but it has never been performed on Kirkwood's stage.
In the past the play has been a bit controversial.
"The gay bashing comes in when people perceive others to be different from how they would like," said Anderson. The play deals with mature content such as issues of hate crimes, diversity and tolerance for all people.
Ashley Yates, who plays Callie, and Amanda Foreman, who plays Sara, are the leads. Cameron Byrd plays George, another lead character. The cast consists of six people.
"I really enjoyed working with a small group, actually being able to go from page to page," said Anderson.
This play in particular is completely different from others Anderson has directed in the past. "For one, there is no intermission. It's not in chronological order and the script requires us to jump locations," said Anderson.
Son, who also writes for the T.V. crime drama "Law & Order" has written other plays such as "Stealing Fire," "2000 Miles" and "Happy Birthday Jack."
"I've watched scenes from this play but have never seen it in its whole. It's much more of a modern piece. I really wanted the students to work in scenic breakdown," said Anderson.
"Stop Kiss" will be performed April 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 6 at 2 p.m.
All shows will be in Ballantyne Auditorium. Students, faculty and staff are admitted free with their EagleCard.
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