Holding the Man

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III

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Written by Tommy Murphy, Holding the Man is adapted from Australian actor and activist Tim Conigrave’s 1995 best-selling memoir of the same title which chronicled his 15 year relationship with John Caleo. This stage version became one of the most successful plays in Australia’s history and is appearing in Los Angeles, in its U.S. premiere, with an all Aussie cast, courtesy of the shiny, new Australian Theatre Company.

The story is narrated in a conversational, fast-paced manner by Tim (Nate Jones) and takes place during the heady days of 1970s disco and gay liberation, and also on into the depressing dawn of the 1980s AIDS epidemic. Tim and John (Adam J. Yeend) first meet as schoolboys in a Jesuit School in Melbourne, and after some awkward, innocent moments and misfires, they become lovers. The passage of time only strengthens a bond that holds firm against societal biases and strident, well-intentioned family objections. Tim’s acceptance into the Sydney Drama School and his insistence on an open relationship, however, begets a trial separation.

As this is Tim’s memoir, we are denied a more expansive awareness of John’s voice and emotional world, which, even though this is a tale of two people, often makes it feel like a tale of one. That notwithstanding, it is told with vibrant humor, expressiveness and piercing pain.

Director Larry Moss and his fine cast nimbly work their way through multiple roles and settings. Jones invests his role with a studied blend of mischievous charm and boldness, while Yeend’s more subdued presence projects a stalwart faithfulness and strength.

John Iacovellli’s collection of tables and chairs, though not especially attractive, makes for an effective backdrop, while Jeremy Pivnick provides a stellar lighting schema.

Australian Theatre Company at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., LA.; Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through June 29. (323) 960-7735, www.holdingtheman.us