The Will to Be opens in 1962 Australia, a time not so far from now and yet very different. It’s here we find William O’Halloran, a junior university lecturer who has just been let go from his position due to “gross indecency”. O’Halloran is gay, and he’s living in a time when homosexuality is still a crime.
Written by Mark Salvestro, The Will to Be won a Best Theatre Weekly Award at the 2020 Adelaide Fringe for its portrayal of queer history, shame and society in Australia. It’s never been a more relevant time to see the production either, with 2021 marking 40 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Victoria.
The Will to Be is showing at La Mama from April 19 to 23 as part of Midsumma.
