Diversionary Theatre and FilmOut San Diego Screen EDWARD II 9/20

As part of Diversionary's "Audience Extras" program, Derek Jarman's film adaptation of Edward II will screen at Diversionary Theatre on Tuesday, September 20 at 7:30 pm. The film stars Steven Waddington as Edward II and Tilda Swinton as Queen Isabella. Staged in a postmodern style with a mix of contemporary clothing and props, Jarman emphasized the gay content of the play particularly by adding homosexual love scenes and depicting Edward's army as gay rights activists. The screening is sponsored in part by FilmOut San Diego.

Rolling Stone called it "a piercing cry from the heart." While The Observer declared it one of "Derek Jarman's most accomplished films"

San Diego State University Professor Edith Benkov will lead a discussion about the film and Edward II's place in history immediately following the screening.

Derek Jarman was an English filmmaker, designer, author and artist. He was outspoken about homosexuality, his never-ending public fight for gay rights and his personal struggle with AIDS. In Edward II, Jarman explored the implications of a possible gay history on contemporary gay life. Specifically, by re-examining men such as Edward II, Jarman shifted the emphasis away from a "traditional" or straight history, and illuminated the hidden importance of homosexuals in key roles in Western intellectual culture.

Edith Benkov is Associate Vice president for Faculty Affairs and Professor of French and European Studies at San Diego State University. She also teaches in the LGBT program at State. She has published on a wide range of topics in medieval and early modern studies. Her current research focuses on two areas: literature during the Wars of Religion and on cross-dressing and sexuality in early modern Europe. Dr. Benkov is one of the founders of SDSU's Safe Zones program.
Diversionary Theatre and FilmOut San Diego are proud to present this film to the community.

About FilmOut San Diego
The mission of FilmOut San Diego is to enlighten, educate, and entertain the communities of San Diego County & beyond through the exhibition of LGBT-themed films. FilmOut San Diego seeks to recognize, promote, celebrate and support the important diverse artistic contributions LGBT filmmakers make to our community.

About Diversionary
Diversionary Theatre develops new works and produces plays and musicals that explore the issues, characters and stories of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in all its complexity and diversity. Founded in 1986, Diversionary has grown into a professional theatre company that nurtures LGBT artists in the development of new works of theatre. Through play commissions, readings and workshops, Diversionary regularly collaborates with other theatre and arts groups to present special events and co-productions, thus involving a wider arts community in our mission.

WHAT: Diversionary Theatre & FilmOut San Diego present
Derek Jarman's film adaptation of EDWARD II
Edward II
By Christopher Marlowe
Directed by Derek Jarman

WHERE: Diversionary Theatre
4545 Park Blvd. San Diego CA 92116

WHEN: Tuesday, September 20 at 7:30
PRICES: $10.00
RESERVE: For tickets or information, call the Diversionary box office at 619.220.0097 or visit www.diversionary.org