Press Release
Love, Hate, and Human Rights
A Theatrical Response to Russian Article 6.21 and Other Human Rights Concerns Worldwide
17-22 September 2013, 7:30pm
Barons Court Theatre
Eight new short plays will take to the stage for a week to protest Putin’s Anti-LGBT laws and other human rights violations worldwide.
Emerging theatre company Kibo Productions was formed to develop and stage plays that are immediate and engaging to the public. Article 2.21 has been the catylst for many to speak out, and we could not in good conscience ignore the need to respond to this disturbing situation.
We've been liaising with Amnesty International and will donate a percentage of our box office to raise money for their campaign in Russia and hope Love, Hate, and Human Rights will raise both funds and awareness for the work they do worldwide. We've also been communicating with the Peter Tatchell Foundation, who we greatly respect for their tireless human rights campaigning, and had support from a number of new writing establishments to help us find our plays, including The Bush Theatre, Royal Court Writers Program, Tricycle Young Writers, PapaTango New Writing Competition, Little Pieces of Gold, The Off Cut Festival, Theatre503, and the Bruntwood Prize.
Artistic Director Sharon Willems: My hope is that our festival will bring important political topics to the forefront with theatrical abandon, encourage everyday people like us to speak and take action on important issues effecting the world we share, and remind LGBT people living in fear in Russia and beyond that they are not forgotten. We must all stand up for communities who are being forced into silence through violence and intimidation, and at Kibo Productions we are proud to stage work that encourages debate and advocates for human rights everywhere.
The Love, Hate, and Human Rights plays include:
In A Moment by Andre de Sousa
Director: Rachel Knightley
‘Do you know that moment when you suddenly realize your life is about to change? I do.’
An intimate portrayal of the joy and danger of being a young gay man in love today.
The Kiss by Jonathan Skinner
Director: Madelaine Moore
Jonathan Skinner’s comedy takes us on Alexa’s absurd journey after she’s arrested for kissing her girlfriend in public.
Conflict Tourism by Roz Wyllie
Director: Bethany Pitts
Can Mel, Donna, and Cassie’s friendship survive when one of them turns activist? A feminist take on how problems ‘over there’ effect our lives right here.
Water Under the Board by Christopher Adams
Director: Dan Hutton
A dark meditation on what we deem acceptable behaviour from our armed forces.
Non-Traditional by Anonymous
Director: Becka McFadden
Masha and Nikolai’s wedding night bliss is about to begin when a knock on the door brings an unwelcome visitor from the Ministry of Justice. Here we provocatively examines what Putin might classify as traditional and non-traditional sex.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell by Michael Ross
Director: Victor Correia
It’s 2010 and Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning is having a fling while on leave in Michael Ross’ fictional portrayal of a young soldier oblivious to what fate has in store.
Security by Will Howells
Director: Sarah Meadows
Keith is a 30-something Dad who’s loves his daughter, deep pan feasty meaty pizzas, and Breaking Bad. He’s as average as they come, so what could the MI5 possibly want with him?
Against the Law by Tina Jay*
Director: Sharon Willems
Britain, 1954. Peter Wildeblood’s trial and conviction for homosexuality is the scandal of the decade and lands Wildeblood in prison for 18 months. What happens next sets off a chain of events that changes Britain’s cultural landscape forever.
* Previous Winner of the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing
Love, Hate, and Human Rights Listing Information:
Performances: 17-22nd September, 7:30pm
Running time: 2hrs with a 15min interval.
Each play will perform every night.
Barons Court Theatre
28a Comeragh Road
W14 9HR
West Kensington/Barons Court Tubes
Tickets £12/£10 Concessions
Reserve via email at londontheatre@gmail.com or call 020 8932 4747
10% of the box office will be donated to Amnesty International
For Love, Hate, and Human Rights press enquiries, please contact Leo Bacica on leo@kiboproductions.com / 07833 913760
