Stop Kiss

Embers Collective presents Diana Son’s 1998 play, Stop Kiss (1st - 4th September), a queer love story told before and after a homophobic attack. Stop Kiss examines the natural human experience of two people falling in love with all of life’s trappings. This work was born out of the desire to give the rainbow community a heartwarming love story, while also acknowledging the fear that can come from being truthful about your identity. Stop Kiss demands its audience to see that love is love, no matter your sexuality.

To support this message, 10% of the profits will go to Rainbow YOUTH. Stop Kiss will also be performed at Pitt St Theatre, metres away from the LGBTQIA+ hub of Karangahape Road. This was a deliberate choice as the show’s joyous moments and queerphobic attack could very well have happened there. New Zealand, let alone Karangahape Road, is not immune to abuse against our rainbow community.

Though we may have been the first country to legalise same sex marriage, we do not all embrace such an open-minded view of love. As recently as the 2021 Pride month, the media was struck with reports of queerphobic attacks (both verbal and physical).

Homophobic gang attacks gay couple during Auckland pride celebrations - Star Observer March 2021

Police appeal for help after assault outside Christchurch gay bar leaves one victim with serious head injuries - 1News March 2021

Gay bashing still exists in New Zealand' says LGBT+ activist after violent attack at pride - NewsHub February 2019

Teen bashed unconscious in anti-gay attack - NZ Herald May 2012

Being aware of the issues facing her community, Rebekah Dack (Skylight, Faithful, Verbatim) decided to direct Stop Kiss and change the story’s setting from New York to Auckland. During an exciting zoom call with the writer, Diana Son gave her permission for these changes to be made to the script.

A love story that will kick you in the guts... and when you’re down, the back and the head until you’re in a coma.

As two women navigate their feelings for one another, they find themselves walking together through the city.

They share their first kiss. It’s new. It’s exciting.

The moment is shattered as they unknowingly provoke a violent queerphobic attack, altering their lives forever.

Originally premiered off-Broadway in 1998, starring Sandra Oh (Greys Anatomy, Killing Eve), Diana Son has gone on to write and produce prolifically for theatre and film. She is known for her work on 13 Reasons Why, Blue Bloods, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Southland, and American Crime.

“…irresistibly exciting…a sweet, sad, and enchantingly sincere play.” —NY Times.

“Something as thought-provoking and ultimately moving as STOP KISS is a joy to experience.” —Star Ledger.

Content warning: This play includes graphic spoken descriptions of queer-phobic violence. No violence is displayed.

This event is part of the 2022 Auckland Pride Festival. See the full programme at aucklandpride.org.nz

Please present your vaccine pass upon arrival to the theatre.