The first page of the script for "8" states, "Note to directors: In the trial there were plenty of tears but many more laughs." This observance sets the scene for the comically poorly defended stage portrayal of the 2010 closing arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, which eventually lead to the overturn of Proposition 8 in California.
A group of Northwestern students performed "8" Tuesday night at the Ethel M. Barber Theatre. The play follows two openly gay couples and what it means for their children to be a family. It also draws upon the historical context of marriage and the human rights implications of banning gay marriage.
Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who won an Oscar for Milk, wrote the play using original court transcripts and interviews in order to bring light to the trial, whose original footage is being withheld by the courts. The American Foundation for Equal Rights and Broadway Impact sponsored the play so that theaters all over the U.S. can reenact the trial and educate the public about the LGBT fight for equality.
"8" was not only unique for its roots in actual testimony but also in its being a staged reading in which the actors held their scripts the entire time. Communication junior Marek Pavlovski, who played an attorney opposing Proposition 8, said the whole idea is for the audience to understand the message and not have conventional theatrical visuals. "It's the dichotomy of being an actor on the stage and being a character on the stage," he said. "It's really just us trying to share this piece of text with the world."
Pavlovski and 13 other student actors performed alongside three of their acting coaches. Theater students usually don't get an opportunity to act alongside their teachers, let alone with other acting coaches, said "8" producer Desiree Staples, a Communication junior. "It's a really cool experience to have acting teachers with students," Staples said. "The level of professionalism and how passionate everyone is about it is very awesome to see."
Staples, who grew up in Laguna Beach, Calif., remembers the propaganda commercials played during the Proposition 8 trial. She says that even though the issue has made progress since Proposition 8, it's still important to keep it in mind, especially in the Northwestern bubble. "At Northwestern, being gay is quite accepted, but in the real world it's an ongoing fight and people's civil rights are being taken away every day," Staples said.
The play is especially relevant in light of President Obama's recent endorsement of gay marriage. This issue is still in the Supreme Court even despite Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker overturning Proposition 8 in August 2010.
"LGBT quality of life doesn't end with marriage," said Brian Richardson, director of public affairs at Center on Halsted, in a panel following the play. "It only begins with marriage. Even when we're there with the law, we still have a long way to go with society."
AFER and Broadway Impact intend this play to inform society of the humanity behind both the LGBT and anti-gay campaigns. Three other Illinois theaters have gotten permission to stage "8," and there are over 1,000 readings nationwide.
Right now most people who go see "8" already support gay marriage, said Communication junior Matt Kuyawa, who played an attorney defending Proposition 8.
"The biggest struggle is how to get this to people who are not in support of it," Kuyawa said. "They're the ones we need to reach. They need to know who is representing them."
Check out a celebrity reading of "8" featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Martin Sheen and other celebrities on YouTube.