The Temperamentals at The New Conservatory Theatre Center

Authors

• Jon Marans

During the 1950s ‘temperamental’ was a code word for gay when homosexual witch hunts were at their peak. Many young men and women were taken by their families to mental institutions to endure forced lobotomies in an effort to 'cure' them. At the center of this eye-opening chunk of forgotten gay political history from the pre-Stonewall '50s, are Communist activist Harry Hay and fashion designer Rudi Gernreich (infamous for designing the topless swimsuit), clandestine lovers in Hollywood. Through this love story emerges one of the first ever gay rights organizations in history. Knowing the toll that oppression was taking on their own love, the two attempted to find others to create the Mattachine Society where they would seek an idealistic world of freedom for themselves and others like them. Joined by a small group of dedicated souls, we watch them walk through darkness and unbelievable fear to seek that better place. Performed at the MeX Theatre at The Kentucky Center for the Arts.