The Sum of Us
Written by David Stevens
Directed by Colin Norris
New Farm Nash Theatre Inc.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm until June 27

Review by Lynda Hansen

The Sum of Us is being performed in conjunction with the ninth Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival. Pride organises events to promote understanding about issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

This production of the successful Broadway play and later big screen film has a definite local feel.

The Sum of Us is the story of a working-class man, Harry (Maurice McAnany) and his son Jeff (Fil Bell) in search of love and companionship. Harry's grief at the death of his wife is ever present, and Jeff's insecurity constantly inhibits his ability to find his “perfect man”.

The audience also learns about Gran, who lived in a committed lesbian relationship with Mary for 40 years before they were tragically separated.

McAnany and Bell are very comfortable in their roles. Their characters are strong and convincing, so much so that the others, including Joyce, the woman Harry wants to marry (Brenda Keith-Walker), have their work cut out for them to remain visible.

Harry may not have a systematic analysis of gay and lesbian oppression, but his simple, unconditional love for Jeff exposes Joyce as hopelessly stranded in narrow-minded, 1950s ideology.

The play proclaims that if love is strong, sexual preferences are irrelevant. If this was true, of course, the struggle for gay and lesbian liberation would have already been won. Nevertheless, The Sum of Us offers plenty to think about. Get out and enjoy this local theatre with a difference.

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