Let me open by saying how glad I am that you're interested in LGBTQ theatre- not enough of these works are produced anywhere, let alone in educational settings. What follows is a brief sampling of my favorite 'gay' plays.
There's always something to be said about the works of Tennessee Williams. Though not "gay" in the post-"Will and Grace" understanding of the word, his plays allow high school students interesting access points to conversations about sex and gender.
Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart" aptly chronicles the AIDS crisis through humour and pain. It just so happens to be one of my favorite works, right up there with "Angels in America"- another show worth taking a look at. Both present deep acting challenges.
Martin Sherman's play "Bent" is a critically important look at the treatment of homosexuals in Nazi Germany. Sherman's writing of the play is what started historical research on the plight of gay men in Nazi Germany. Though not "uplifting" or "funny," it presents IMMENSE acting material for students to conquer. Probably not appropriate for middle school students.
The play "The Boys in the Band" by Mart Crowley might be worth exploring- especially if you have a large group of male actors that you wish to put on stage. Again, probably not appropriate for middle school students.
And there are lots of other plays:"Laramie Project" (very 'gay', very heavy), "Almost, Maine" (one 'gay' scene, very light), Harvey Fierstein's "Torch Song Trilogy", "Good Boys and True" etc., etc.
One major downside to a lot of these powerful works is that they are probably not appropriate for young actors/ audiences. If you want a show that is 'gay' and 'appropriate,' why not queer one of Shakespeare's pieces? He wrote all sorts of strange sexualities and genders, why not pursue them even farther with a male Juliet or a female Bottom or a genderqueer Puck?
Sidenote:
Being inclined to theory myself, I think it is worth asking "Why aren't there more 'uplifting' gay plays?" The history of LGBTQ drama seems marked by one tragedy after another, perhaps there is something to be said about examining this history of pain and oppression. Or perhaps the next phase in queer theatre is a Perestroika of sorts, a time for more life and more hope- a time marked by increasingly positive messages. I don't know. I do, however, hope that whatever show you choose, there will be meaningful conversations among your students in regards to LGBTQ identity.
More Life. The Great Work Begins.
John
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John Stark
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2014 08:46
From: Susan Sterman-Jones
Subject: Seeking Gay Themed Plays
I am looking for a play that will cater to a large cast AND
is gay themed or at least has gay characters in it.
I am not looking for a victim play - but rather, something uplifting, even funny, would work best. Something dramatic is OK, too. Again, the cast should be large and the subject matter should be appropriate for middle school/high school.
Can you suggest anything?
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Susan Sterman-Jones
Drama Teacher/ Director
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