In 1972, at the American
Psychiatric Association’s annual convention, Dr. John E. Fryer, wearing a mask
and wig and using a voice-distorting microphone, declared “I am a homosexual. I am a psychiatrist.” to an audience that branded homosexuality a mental
illness. In this play, playwright and psychiatrist Guy Fredrick Glass
sensitively dramatizes a young psychiatrists struggle to come to grips with his
own sexuality at a time when being openly gay would end his career. In light of
our present awareness of gay rights, this production is a reminder of battles,
internal and external, that had to be fought in this quest for human rights.
Matthew is in love with Jake,
an activist who is boldly challenging the Saturday night ‘round-ups’ of
homosexuals in homophobic Philadelphia in 1968. For what he deems professional
reasons, Matthew hides behind a virtual mask and can only be himself with
friends who are ‘out.’ However, when he is lured into aversion therapy by his psychiatric mentor he
deludes himself that he is ‘cured’ which leads to tragedy and ultimately his
salvation.
Under John Henry Davis’
unflinching direction the play illuminates,
through the action and actual news footage, what dangerous challenges the Gay
Pride movement faced from both government and ersatz science.
Matt Crabtree
is excellent as Matthew; Barry Pearl is chilling as the straight doctor determined
to ‘save’ him; Kevin Held is deeply moving as the gay rights activist
who is his lover; Richard Sabine is hilarious yet poignant as a self-hating
gay patient; Christopher
Frontiero is delightful as an opera-loving friend, and Jonathan Torres
is charming as a young gay activist.
Racquel Lehrman of Theatre Planners produces this Gap In The
Wall world premiere production. Plaudits to Joel Daavid for set
and lighting,
to Christopher Moscatiello for sound, to Shannon
Kennedy for costumes and to Troy Hauschild for awesome projections.
At Zephyr Theatre, 7456
Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, through May 4. For
reservations and information (323) 960-7724 or www.plays411.com/doctor
Photos by Ed Krieger.
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