The production during the 2015 Midsumma Festival that examines a lesbian relationship and gay hate crimes in moving ways

After launching themselves into the Melbourne Independent theatre scene with past productions Edges, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead and The Pavilion, Boutique Theatre commence their 2015 season during the Midsumma Festival with another Melbourne premiere; Diana Son’s much lauded Stop Kiss.

Running from the 22nd of January to the 7th of February at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute, Boutique Theatre are fast becoming known for presenting works that are fresh, engaging and unique. Tackling little known plays with big heart, the company have well and truly stamped their mark on the Melbourne independent theatre scene, and will continue to do so throughout 2015 with a planned season of four plays.

When reclusive Callie, a New York traffic reporter, promises to take a cat owned by Sara “some friend of an old friend of someone”, she never imagines where it will lead. The two women soon become close friends and although both are “straight” as they get to know each other an unspoken attraction pulls them closer, and finally they kiss. One innocent kiss while walking through the West Village late one evening.

A kiss that sets off a savage gay-bashing…

But even as Stop Kiss confronts the reality of this raw, violent act, Diana Son's imaginative, moving, and surprising comedy takes her characters and audiences to unexpected places. The play places a brutal attack at the centre that serves both an indictment of hatred, and also a moving study of the perils inherent in living life fully.

The only production during the 2015 Midsumma Festival that examines a lesbian relationship and gay hate crimes in this way, Boutique Theatre’s production of Stop Kiss promises to be a powerful Melbourne premiere season.

Directed by Byron Bache
Featuring Cazz Bainbridge, Tamiah Bantum, Thomas Kay, James Rosier, Mathew Young and Lindy Yeates
Set Design by Nick Casey
Costume Design by Nico Wilsdon
Lighting Design by Matt Osborn

Stop Kiss
Location: Brunswick Mechanics Institute
270 Sydney Rd, Brunswick (http://boutiquetheatre.com.au/)
Dates and Times: 22 January – 7 February, 2015 (Wed – Sat 8pm)
Preview Thursday 22 January, 8pm
Tickets: $28 Full $25 Concession
Bookings: 03 9415 9819 or online at www.midsumma.org.au