Pride Films and Plays' to Present Readings of Two New Plays this Fall

Members of Pride Films and Plays Artistic Ensemble will present public readings of two plays new to Chicago audiences - Bison by Lachlan Philpott, and Angry Fags by Topher Payne. The performances are at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, and are 'pay-what-you-can' events.

On Wednesday, October 23 at 8 pm, Pride Films and Plays presents a staged reading of Bison by Lachlan Philpott, directed by Artistic Ensemble Member Jude Hansen*

Featuring: Alexander St John*, AK Miller, Derek Van Barham*

Do you follow the herd or forge your own path? From virtual dating to bareback sex, and nightclub hook ups to monogamy, Bison strips back, sucks out and spits at the herd-like behavior of the gay male habitat and the rules that govern the 'scene'. Bison offers a fresh take on this scene and delves beneath the surface to confront a more varied and complex range of gay masculinities.

Jason is exploring his awakening sexual identity, Tom is traveling the world with his gay guidebook in hand, Simon is hungry for sex, and Richard yearns for the freedom and promiscuity of his youth. Each of them on an endless search to find the right one, the right place, and the right night that is inevitably elusive.

The reading is pay-what-you-can, is on the Thrust Stage of Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont.

*Denotes PFP Artistic Ensemble Member

Bison photo by Daniel Holfeld

*Angry Fags by Topher Payne, directed by Artistic Associate Derek Van Barham*,
Wednesday, November 6 at 7:30 pm.

Featuring Nelson Rodriguez*, Kevin Webb*, Jude Hansen*, Alexander St. John*, David Besky*, Michelle McKenzie-Voigt*, and Joan McGrath*.

Cooper and Bennett are not a gay couple- just a couple of gays. When one of their friends is the victim of an assault outside a local bar, they feel helpless, frightened, and then they feel something new: pure, unfiltered rage. Cooper presents the argument that no one is granted the rights they deserve until people are a little afraid of them. And no one is afraid of gay guys. Not really. They set out to change that.

An Oscar Wilde-meets-Fight Club fever dream about how good ideas go bad, with fascinating forays into American politics, bomb building, and pistachios

Find more information on www.pridefilmsandplays.com.