Hart House Hosts MAN2MAN Staged Reading 2/7

In celebration of the upcoming Black History month and in keeping with our traditions of exploring and discovering cultural and personal freedoms and expressions, Hart House is set to host an evening of performance and discussion with the creators of Man 2 Man - a show that has wowed Toronto audiences since its debut in 2010 and continues to generate discussions around racial, cultural and sexual prejudices. Above all, Man 2 Man is a show about love: its strength, grace and determination in the face of opposition and conflict.

This event is made possible through enormous cross-campus collaboration from several different groups. We are proud to say that U of T students are leading the charge in creating and producing events such as this to break down stereotypes and open up conversations that can often be difficult. "From the moment I first saw Man 2 Man at Harbourfront in 2011 I was convinced we needed to bring it to U of T. I know from my work with queer students of faith in the Qu(e)erying Religion club - which has often included racialized members - the the issues raised by Kwame Stephen's play are real." - Ralph Carl Wushke Ecumenical Chaplain at U of T.

About the show
When Emmanuel, a man in his forties, met Damien, he wasn't sure what he wanted. He knew he was attracted to Damien but was still struggling with issues around his sexuality. Of all places, these two men met at a church where Emmanuel's singing entranced Damien. This sets the stage as we join Damien and Emmanuel's struggle to make sense of, love, lust and life.

"Man 2 Man is a unique play because it deals with the intersection of sexuality, Christianity, race and family. In following the love story of the two lead characters Damien and Emmanuel, we are drawn into a world that is honest, black and gay. With the inclusion of Pastor Everton who struggles with his unresolved sexuality, we have story that is gripping yet entertaining. The two previous productions of this play in Toronto was to sold out audiences who were mesmerized by this love story. The discussion following the reading will open up a meaningful dialogue that will help build bridges between many groups." - Kwame Stephens, Playwright.

Man 2 Man is an honest, no-holds barred theatrical event. It looks into the souls and lives of its characters in a way that we can all relate to, while challenging many stereotypes. It deals with themes that include religion, family, love, sexuality and much more. Following the staged reading of this extraordinary play will be a discussion with the performers and creators of the piece led and faciliated by a student at U of T.

Man 2 Man
Written by Kwame Stephens
Produced by Edward Ulzen
Directed by Canute Lawrence
Featuring Frederick O'Neal, Mark Thomas and Julian Murillo.

When: February 7, 2012 7:30 pm
Where: Arbor Room, Hart House
Cost: FREE!

Please note: Sammy's Student Exchange will be open during the event and offers a limited menu and a licensed bar.

About Hart House
A 'living laboratory' of social, artistic, cultural and recreational experiences, Hart House is a dynamic gathering place for U of T students. Open 365 days a year from 7 am to midnight, it is St. George Campus's vibrant centre for the education of the mind, body and spirit. The Beaux Arts Gothic Revival style building houses a state-of-the-art athletics wing with classes for every taste, a historic 454-seat theatre, a noted art gallery and collection, a satellite farm location and a range of impressive rooms for study, dining, recreation and socializing.

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