Beat the Sunset
by Michael Lewis MacLennan
Winner of the 1994 Theatrum
National Playwriting Competition
Winner of the 1995 Jessie Award
for Outstanding Emerging Playwright
Ten years after a shattering
crisis, Adam and Sacha meet again. They carry the scars of events which
severed — and nearly destroyed — them both. Sacha, a history professor,
is spontaneously moved to visit his old friend recuperating from a bout
of AIDS-related pneumonia. Together they forge a relationship which
transforms them both. At the same time, Adam’s mother Iris struggles
to accept her son, while desperately trying to reconcile a fractured
family. Weaving themes of memory, AIDS, a mother’s love, and the history
of epidemics, Beat the Sunset is an explosive, life-affirming
play about the transformative power of intimacy.
“A fascinating, moving, touching
portrait of life and love. A true rarity in the world of theatre.”
— Vancouver Echo
“A probing, skilfully written
drama which brings incredible insight and humanity to its subject. Without
a hint of preachiness or pedantic, the play is as much about true emotions
and human dignity as is about the ravages of AIDS ... Startlingly accomplished
and sophisticated. MacLennan has emerged as a playwright of great promise.”
— Victoria Times-Colonist
“There were times I wanted
to burst into applause; I was that grateful for the beauty and honesty
of writing.... Right from the opening monologue, it’s apparent that
MacLennan is a playwright with prodigious theatrical instincts.” —
Vancouver Georgia Straight
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