"8" the play comes to GSU

As part of Governors State University's "Created Equal?" theater series, the school recently hosted the groundbreaking play "8" in the school's Center for Performing Arts. Following both performances, GSU Provost Terry Allison hosted a panel discussion.

"8" examines the legal battle surrounding Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative passed by California voters to amend the California State Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The California State Constitution currently includes the language, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California" because of the passage of Proposition 8. The play centers on court transcripts from the closing argument of the 2010 Perry v Schwarzenegger trial (now Perry v Brown) which challenged Proposition 8, as well as interviews with trial participants and "8" author Dustin Lance Black's first hand observations of the trial.

GSU President Elaine P. Maimon welcomed the audience to the October 25 showing. The audience consisted of both GSU students as well as people making their first visit to GSU. Maimon shared with the crowd her vision for GSU as a cultural center that she hoped first time visitors would want to return to. "We see ourselves at GSU as a public square, not an ivory tower," said Maimon.

Maimon also thanked Center for Performing Arts Board President Jeanne McInerney-Lubeck for her support in bringing "8" to GSU. McInerney-Lubeck addressed why "8" is an important piece of theater, saying, "We are entering a time when so many of us are questioning what our civil rights are."

After the play, a panel discussion led by Provost Terry Allison answered audience questions. The October 25 panel featured "8" cast member Charlie Lubeck, Castro Synergies LLC President Martin Castro, and Simoncini Strategies founder Greg Simoncini. The October 26 panel consisted "8" cast member Dani Shay; Dr. Patrick Santoro, Assistant Professor of Theater and Performance Studies at GSU; and Dr. Randi Schneider, GSU's Director of Academic Engagement.

The panel discussed some of the challenges facing same-sex couples in the quest for marriage equality, but also expressed optimism that marriage equality will one day be achieved. Panel member Martin Castro said of same-sex marriage opponents, "You know, they may win a battle here and there, but they're not going to win the war. Ultimately, we're going to win this."

Castro believes all of those who believe in marriage equality have a duty to fulfill. "We need to teach our children to treat people fairly. "We need to teach our children that there is nothing wrong with being gay, that there is nothing wrong with marriage equality," said Castro.

"8" The Play was written by Dustin Lance Black, and produced by the Southland Area Theater Ensemble (SLATE). The play was directed at Governors State University by J.R. Rose, whose previous productions at GSU's Center for Performing Arts include "The Wedding Singer", "Ragtime", and 'Legally Blonde" The Musical." The play was held at GSU on October 25 and 26.