In a world premiere, Malthouse audiences are invited to embark on an odyssey of self-discovery and liberation with Homo Pentecostus at the Malthouse Theatre from 11 – 25 May 2024.
Actor, dancer, and writer Joel Bray unveils an intimate exploration of his secret queer identity within the confines of a 1990s Pentecostal Church. Experience a shared ritual that immerses you in the transformative power of music, movement, and collective experience.
Pentecostalism is Australia’s fastest-growing religion and Joel will lead you through an insider’s perspective on the intersection of faith and sexuality. From the humble church hall to the vibrant disco dance floor, Homo Pentecostus peels back layers of conflicting allure and hidden shame to illuminate our quest to embrace our true selves.
Co-created by Joel Bray, Emma Valente and Peter Paltos, Homo Pentecostus will be an ecstatic testament to resilience, love and the pursuit of personal truth.
Melbourne-based artist Joel Bray is a proud Wiradjuri man whose practice stems from his cultural heritage. He has created solo and ensemble dance works including Dharawungara, Daddy, Considerable Sexual License and I Liked it BUT… and Garabari.
His works are intimate encounters in unorthodox spaces, in which audience-members are invited in as co-storytellers to explore the experiences of fair-skinned Aboriginal people, and the experiences of contemporary gay men in an increasingly digital and isolated world.
Co-creator, Writer, Co-director & Cast: Joel Bray | Co-creator & Co-director: Emma Valente | Co-creator & Cast: Peter Paltos | Set & Costume Designer: Kate Davis | Lighting Designer: Katie Sfetkidis | Composer & Sound Designer: Marco Cher-Gibard | Associate Lighting Designer: Spencer Herd | Associate Sound Designer: Justin Gardam | Stage Manager: Jess Keepence | Besen Placement Artist (Directing): Alice Darling
Homo Pentecostus
Beckett Theatre – Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 15 – 25 May 2024 (previews: 11 – 14 May)
Information and Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
Image: Joel Bray – photo by Kristian Gehradte