IN CONVERSATION: JOHN FORBES ON 'HOLDING THE MAN'

Accomplished director and Blue Mountains local John Forbes has taken on the challenge of staging the iconic queer story, 'Holding the Man'.

While our current socio-political landscape is featuring more and more queer stories, one has stood the test of time and taken the hearts of many. The memoir, written by Timothy Conigrave, was published in early 1995 - shortly after Timothy's death - and follows his relationship with John Caleo. From their meeting in the mid 1970's at Melbourne's Xavier College, then their lives across both Sydney and Melbourne as young people, through to their HIV diagnoses in 1985 and the following decade living with HIV and AIDS. The book has since been adapted and developed into a film and a play, both of the same name.

It was the novel which director John Forbes has loved for many years, and had dreams of staging; "I remember thinking, one day I've got to direct this play".

Forbes, who is celebrating his 20th year of directing this year, has wanted to stage the show for years, however was facing issues in terms of getting the show on the stage. Originally from a much more regional area, Forbes felt there would be difficulty staging the show for an array of reasons. However, after a spark of inspiration, he was thrilled to have managed to secure the show with Glenbrook Players.

With a very "supportive [and] eclectic" community in the Blue Mountains, Forbes says he felt it would be the perfect space to try and bring a show of this calibre to light. He expresses great gratitude to the Glenbrook Players for taking a chance on the play, as it features some heavy content not just in terms of queerness, but also youth and growing up.

Being gay himself, and having reread the novel after now being in a long term relationship and reflecting on his 20's and 30's, John says the story details some very real and raw experiences about finding yourself and this transitional period. It is a story of growing up, identity, love, and loss. He really emphasises the importance of such a story, and how crucial it was finding a cast and crew similarly so passionate about the story.

John says the cast and crew have been very invested and are "doing the homework" when it comes to the show. As it is based on real people, Forbes said the casting process was hefty as he wanted to accurately try to depict main characters Tim and John. However, the main thing was the chemistry and the passion. He says the two leads have "great chemistry" and have really put the work in to bring the show to life.

Forbes wanted his cast to really immerse themselves in the story, and gave them a copy of the novel as well as the script. Through the process, he has encouraged them all to read the story, watch the film, and has provided them with the resources such as photographs and supporting media in order to fully engage with the text and characters. He says all of them have been really receptive and on board with the idea, and it has made their portayals have much more depth and empathy.

In this regard, Forbes has also focused on historical accuracy, and was telling me the labouring over costumes. As the show is set over three decades, the main design aspect is costume, since Forbes and his crew have opted into a much more minimal set. The crew have looked over as many photos of Tim and John, and where there are recurring articles of clothing or accessories, they have added these to the costumes for each decade. Other cast are wearing costumes which have been spotted in the photos, or very similar. It is these elements that Forbes prides himself on, and which make the production that little bit different. This is something he also has done when directing other shows, such as directing "The Little Mermaid", and setting costume and staging from the era of Hans Christian Anderson, the writer of the original tale, as opposed to generic modern day. It is this directing style which will really bring together the beauty in a story like this one.

In addition to this, Glenbrook Players have teamed up with ACON to celebrate pride, and are raising funds for mental health.

The cast and crew are already doing full run throughs, and are gearing up for their production week. To see what John Forbes has created, head over to the Glenbrook Players website to get your tickets!

Holding the Man is playing at the Glenbrook Cinema from May 23rd to June 1st.

All images supplied by John Forbes.