Past Performance
‘The Will To Be’ by Mark Salvestro | At The Substation
27 – 30 June 2024
An award-winning solo show by Mark Salvestro, exploring forbidden love in 1960s Australia, laced with the words of Shakespeare.
A University Office, 1962: homosexuality is illegal. Junior lecturer William O’Halloran has been dismissed from his probationary position. His secret is out.
As he packs up his beloved belongings, William recalls the defining decisions that have led him to this moment. But time is ticking away. His wife Lola is due to arrive any minute. And the curtain is soon to rise on the student union production of Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers isn’t the only forbidden love story on campus. And the leading man knows this all too well…
‘The Will To Be’ is an exploration of Australia’s queer history, societal shame, and a defiant cry to speak truth to power.
Winner of a Best Theatre Weekly Award at the 2020 Adelaide Fringe.
Creative Team
Writer, Performer, Producer: Mark Salvestro
Directors: Sarah Hallam & Phoebe Anne Taylor
Set Designer: Carmody Nicol
Costume Designer: Oliver Ross
Sound Designer: Steve Carnell
Photo credit: Sare Clarke
