London's BRIEFS - CLOSE ENCOUNTERS to Stage Show of Support for Australian Equal Marriage

On the evening of September 12, the iconic Australian boylesque troupe Briefs are staging the largest show of support for equal marriage in Australia that London has seen.

As Australia goes to the polls to vote on whether gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry, the hit London show, Briefs - Close Encounters plans to rally London in a massive show of solidarity with their friends at home and urge their fellow Australians to exercise their democratic right to vote in favour of a change in the law.

On Tuesday, September 12, as ballot papers are issued for the forthcoming plebiscite, the stunning seven-strong cast will lead over 500 people, many of whom are Australian or same sex couples, in an imposing show of support for equal marriage and equal love, as voting starts in their home country.

Briefs, whose cast includes members who themselves have a personal interest in the outcome of the vote, will that night dedicate their show to a change in the law and outside, following the performance they will stage the huge demonstration.

The event will take place at Underbelly Festival on London's Southbank - an annual arts and entertainment extravaganza that includes many Australian and LGBT performers in its wide-ranging programme.

Australian couples, audience members and anyone who supports a change in the law are urged to participate in this celebration of love, show of solidarity and call to action. Briefs asks anyone who wishes to get involved to get in touch or to simply come to the show that evening.

Aerialist, contortionist and Briefs performer, Thomas Worrell who, as the law stands, is unable to marry his long-term partner in Australia says: "Being in a same sex relationship, engaged and unable to marry while the entire country debates my rights is a complicated and difficult situation. To add to that being on the other side of the world and feeling removed from it all is even more challenging. That's why in true Briefs style we are going to make noise, even if we're on the other side of the globe. There are so many Australians living or travelling around the world who want their voices to be heard in this matter. Many Australian same sex couples have been forced to marry overseas but won't have their marriage recognised when they return home, and some just haven't gone back. This is a chance for Australians living in London and others who believe marriage is the equal right of all to come together and celebrate life and just take a moment to acknowledge that while we aren't at home, we are still connected, still responsible and still have a voice. A way to come together and celebrate equal love."

Briefs creator, choreographer and master of ceremonies Fez Faanana says: "Our event on the 12th is about stomping our heels, kicking up dust and being heard about marriage equality in Australia. It's about rallying together, while here in London, to remind our stunning sunburned country that the support exists here overseas. Australia is a land with a difficult history of inequality and now is the time to continue moving forward and managing this turbulence. It breaks my heart to think about the potential negative impact on individuals, young people, couples, families and communities in Australia. The sanctity of marriage is real and everyone is entitled to this sanctity including same sex couples. Our Briefs Factory productions are about diversity, the celebration of life, the acknowledgement and celebration of similarities and differences. We proudly tour the world as an Australian company representing difference and continue to have such wonderful support from UK audiences. The world is waiting and watching to see if the people of Australia have progressed forward enough to vote 'yes' for equality. The world needs to put the pressure on and Australians all over the world need to fight for the chance to have their say.

"The thought of voting 'no' to marriage equality is such a backward concept. It can be likened to the argument about whether or not women should vote, or if Aboriginal Australians should be acknowledged as human as opposed to flora and fauna. Just ridiculous. We have worked through these preposterous concepts Marriage equality is next on the list."

About the Same Sex Marriage Postal Vote Australia

Australia is preparing for a voluntary and non-binding postal vote on legalising same-sex marriage. Ballot papers are sent out on September 12 and votes will be cast over the next month. The ballot itself would not change the law, but a "yes" result could clear a path towards amending Australia's Marriage Act.

About Briefs - Close Encounters

Briefs is an Australian boylesque / circus extravaganza. They have developed a huge following for their shows all over the world over the last eight years. Making their London debut in 2013 they have consistently played to sell out crowds and received ecstatic reviews every year for the past four years. Their new show Close Encounters received its London premiere in July this year to rave reviews. For more information, visit www.underbellyfestival.com or go to briefsfactory.com.

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