Review: The Temperamentals

"We are sworn that no boy or girl, approaching the maelstrom of deviation, need make that crossing alone, afraid and in the dark, ever again.” – The Mattachine Society pledge.

The modern gay liberation movement is a lot older than you might think. In 1950, nineteen years before the patrons of the Stonewall Inn stood their ground, a group of five “temperamental” men in Los Angeles (the community hadn’t claimed the word “gay” yet) held the first meeting of the Mattachine Society. The group of male friends, led by Harry Hay, sought to create a safe environment for homosexual men to come together. They predicted the rise of fascism in a smart suit – i.e. McCarthyism – and realised that gay men had to think about who they were and get organised.

Jon Maran’s play is a well-researched and involving and director Kevin Jackson’s production is clear and purposeful. There is a lot of information to absorb. In fact, at times you might feel like you’re sitting in on a queer history lecture. Still if, like me, you find Hay and his cohorts fascinating, you’ll be happy to go on the journey.  

The Temperamentals has a rapid pace and quick scenes unfold as chrome stools are arranged on a grey carpeted area. Huge heavy-looking triangles frame the space. It is not the most attractive set to stare at for two-plus hours but the acting more than makes up for it.

Hay, as you might imagine, is a bracing, in-yer-face activist and here is well played by Douglas Hansell. We get to see his softer side as we watch him fall in love with Rudi (a superb Daniel Scott), a Viennese Jew who has escaped the Holocaust. Their relationship, conducted in secrecy, is a potent reminder of just how dangerous it could be for two men to be together. There is also detailed and nuanced work from Ben McIvor, Brett Rogers and notably Mark Dessaix.

I’m so glad I saw this piece. Hay would have celebrated his 100th birthday in April this year. Still, he got to blow out 90 candles. Yes, as it happens, this year also marks the 10th anniversary of his death.

The Tempermentals, New Theatre, Newtown. Until March 3. Bookings: 1300 13 11 88