Abseiling lesbians! Queers in classrooms! Perverts panicking parents! And an act of oppression that inspired a generational riot. Twenty years after its repeal, the children of Section 28 are taking to the stage.
A new documentary musical from Breach Theatre examines the dark period of UK history when Section 28 prohibited the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools, and the knock-on effect on the queer community today. It has been 35 years since Section 28 was voted into law by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government, and 20 years since its repeal. Award winning devised theatre makers Breach Theatre (It’s True, It’s True, It’s True) debut their brand-new musical with a queer cast of performers who grew up during the time the legislation was in action. Every word in the show is taken from interviews the company has undertaken with students, activists, and teachers, as well as from tabloid articles and news clips from the era. After the Act takes its title inspiration from Before the Act, a night of entertainment and protest in response to the clause in 1988.
Ellice and Billy from Breach theatre said, “As part of the generation that grew up under section 28, this is a story that's hugely personal to us as well as political. The moral panic of the 1980's over LGBT-inclusive education had an enormous impact on our coming of age and sense of ourselves as young queer people in the 90's and noughties. It's been fascinating and a real privilege to speak to so many LGBT people of a slightly older generation who remember the fight for and against section 28, and to people of all ages on its impact on them. We hope that by telling their stories,anyone who comes to see the show - will be inspired to continue the fight for lgbt rights and representation."
Cast: Tika Mu'Tamir, Ellice Stevens, EM Williams, Zachary Willis
Company Information
Written by Ellice Stevens & Billy Barrett, Director Billy Barrett,Composer & musical director Frew
Assistant musical director Ellie Showering, Choreographer Sung Im Her, Set & costume designer Lizzy Leach, Sound designer Owen Crouch, Lighting designer Jo Underwood, Video designer Zakk Hein
Music associate Rachel Barnes, Sound production Frew & Owen Crouch, Assistant musical director Ellie Showering, Executive producer for Breach Sally Cowling
AFTER THE ACT: 28 February – 1 April, 2023
Further Information: After The Act | Whats On | New Diorama