Moving back and forth between two stories, one set in the 1950's, the other set in the present, the play explores sexuality, queer-family history, and the roles of men in relation to aggression and desire.
In one story, we follow a series of scenes distilled from the fourteen- year partnership between Tennessee Williams and Frank Merlo. We watch as they define and redefine their outlawed-marriage in a hostile world.
Interwoven with the story of Frank and Tennesse, we see a story of a father and his closeted son. The father, while trying to assert a place in his son’s life, is also working to live up to familial obligations. The son uses his discovery of Frank and Tennessee as a means to connect to his homophobic father.
Love of Men Ferocious was produced in 2010 at The Experimental Theatre Wing, NYU Tisch. It was self-directed.
The Cast (In order of appearance): Joey Merlo, Nathaniel Peart, Jack Falahee, Kirk Duval
Production team: Phil Rudich, Susan Rattner, Branson Skinner, Joe Haldeman, Rosemary Quinn, Catherine Coray, Raina Von Waldenburg.
Photography by Christina Thermopolis
Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Semifinalist