‘Stop Kiss’ strikes controversy across campus

Controversial issues and self-identity were the focus of the GC&SU Department of Music and Theatre’s performance of “Stop Kiss.”
The love story, written by Diana Son, concentrated on two women, Callie, played by Kate Bean, and Sara, played by Maria-Victoria Perez, whose friendship develops into an intimate relationship. When an onlooker sees the two women kiss, one of the women falls victim to a tragic hate crime.

Director Kathleen McGeever, the acting and theatre chair, said, “(The play) has relevant themes that need to be discussed and examined. There are issues of hate crime, diversity and tolerance of people.”

After the curtain closed, Talk Back discussions were held with students, faculty and staff. The discussions centered around such controversial issues as hate, speech and homosexuality.

“We wanted to bring the issue to the community because a lot of times homosexuality, gay rights or hate crimes just aren’t talked about,” said junior theater major Annie Reeves, the stage manager for the production.

McGeever said some viewers would shy away from watching the play because of the themes it presented.

“Yes, there are some people putting up blinders or making fun of it because they feel uncomfortable, but it’s opened up a great deal of dialogue,” McGeever said. “I wish our society could not be so critical.”

McGeever also said that the play did have a powerful impact on a lot of people.

“I think (the play) has affected people very strongly. It’s (about) self-identity and journey,” she said.

Although the play centers around diversity and alternative lifestyles, McGeever said that the title of the play suggests other themes.

“I think it means something deeper,” she said. “(People should) stop and take chances.”

Erin Reardon, a sophomore English major, said that the play focused on the characters themselves as individuals, not just their lifestyles.

“They kind of presented it as a friendship that came to be more than that,” Reardon said. “It wasn’t just lesbians.”

Junior biology major Joseph Attaway said that the play was a great move for GC&SU.

“I’m glad that they decided to do (the play). It was a gutsy move,” Attaway said. “I think it’s something that should probably be more discussed on this campus.”

McGeever hopes to bring more plays to GC&SU that contain controversial subject matter, in order to encourage discussion among students. She hopes that these performances will bring a sense of understanding to the college community.

“I think more contemporary plays that speak (of) relevant issues are important,” McGeever said.

The next scheduled show for the theatre department is “Travesties” by Tom Stoppard.

The play will be showing Wednesday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 12 in Russell Auditorium. For more information, please call the Theatre Department at (478) 445-4226.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 7 2005. Filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry