Play tells story of CQ student coming of age in the 1990s

A play tackling the challenges of growing up gay at an all-boys Catholic school in central Queensland in the late 1990s is coming to the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough next month.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said nationally acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Co had transformed journalist Shannon Molloy’s best-selling memoir, Fourteen, into a must-see theatre production that was touring the country over the next few months.

“This production is a blend of honesty, humour and heart following the life of Year 9 student Shannon Molloy in 1999 as he navigates the challenges of keeping his sexuality a secret in an era when acceptance was rare,” Cr Seymour said.

“This coming-of-age memoir is about adversity and tragedy, but is also a story of resilience, hope and hilarity.

“Despite the challenging subject matter, the music is very uplifting with a nostalgic mixtape of 90’s hits from Shania Twain to The Spice Girls.

“I hope audiences enjoy the adaptation and that it helps foster conversation, understanding and support within our communities.”

Fourteen is on at 11am and 7:30pm on Wednesday July 17 at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.  Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for Friends of the Brolga, $37 for pensioners/seniors and $20 for students/children.  Suitable for ages 14 and up.

This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and was originally co-produced with QPAC and Brisbane Festival.

Cr Seymour encouraged Fraser Coast residents to sign up for the Brolga’s email newsletters to be the first to know about upcoming shows and to access exclusive offers and pre-sale periods.

You can register for the eNewsletters on the Brolga Theatre’s website: www.brolgatheatre.org – and you can become a Friend of the Brolga for a low membership fee which entitles you to discounted tickets to most performances.