A University Office, 1962: homosexuality is illegal. The fear of communism is in the air. A lecturer is dismissed. His secret is out. Will he choose legacy or the law?
“A fresh perspective on Australia’s history of homosexuality and the persecution that many faced” My Melbourne Arts.
The Will To Be is my second solo work that I have written, performed and produced, following my first show, Buried at Sea, which had seasons at Melbourne Fringe, Brisbane Anywhere Festival, Adelaide Fringe, and Forbes and Cooma in country NSW.
I am raising funds for the 2020 Adelaide Fringe season of The Will To Be, following its world premiere in Melbourne in September.
With this project, I hope to engage with the LGBTQIA+ community and use it both as a reflective piece for the older demographic and as an educational tool for the younger queer community.
“Compelling and must-see theatre” Melbourne Observer.
The Adelaide Fringe season plays from February 24 to March 7 at The Bakehouse Theatre. I hope to reach my target of $5000 before the holiday period so I can focus on the creative aspects of the show in the New Year.
As a theatre-maker, I consider it my duty to bring untold stories to life. I feel privileged to be able to give voice to a generation of repressed homosexuals and shine a light on how far we’ve come in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility.
While queer art is becoming more prominent in Melbourne and Sydney, the wider Australian population is often left out. I hope the Adelaide Fringe season will serve as a means to educate, entertain and inspire locals, and act as the first of many tours to come.
“Beautifully crafted…exceptionally performed” Weekend Notes.
Adelaide Fringe also host an International Arts Marketplace called ‘Honey Pot’, allowing me to connect with industry delegates from across the world about future opportunities for The Will To Be.
Touring, however, comes at quite a cost, especially when it’s interstate. This is where YOU can help! The Adelaide Fringe season is costing just under $10,000 and that doesn’t include paying our production team.
Your donation will help cover travel and accommodation costs for my stage manager and me, pay for our venue hire at the incredible Bakehouse Theatre, and allow us to create high-quality marketing material to present to both theatre-goers and industry representatives.
With your assistance, we can remount this new Australian work for one of the world’s best open-access arts festivals, and continue to share its story across the country.
If you would like to learn more about ‘The Will To Be’ and my previous work, head over to my website: www.marksalvestro.com or follow the show’s journey on social media: www.facebook.com/marksalvestroactor | Instagram: @marksalvestro
“Mark Salvestro is indeed a very talented young man. Riveting and moving – a talented actor and playwright” Adelaide Theatre Guide.
