Kleinau Theater

October 28, 2021

‘Naked Stories’ performances set for Nov. 4-6

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A production about gay teen identity, written by a first-year master’s student in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Communication Studies, will hit the stage for three nights, beginning next week.

“Naked Stories: Tales of Queer Adolescence in the ’70s and ’80s” will be performed Nov. 4-6 in the Marion Kleinau Theatre. The theater is on the second floor of the Communications Building on campus. The performances, which start at 8 p.m., includes mature themes.

SIU is committed to protecting the community, so all those attending must follow current campus and state pandemic safety protocols and wear masks in shared indoor spaces.

T Brown wrote and will perform the autobiographical narratives. He is co-director with Craig Gingrich-Philbrook, a professor in the communication studies program.

In his show description, Brown notes, “‘Naked Stories’ depicts experiences of a white, gay, cis-male adolescent in the 1970s and 1980s. Framed by early childhood sexual abuse, narratives of repressed trauma, denial, and internalized and systemic homophobia collide with encounters with ’80s music and musicians. The stories of queer teenage love and infatuation, identity development, fears and self-loathing from 40 years ago show how things have changed – but perhaps not as much as we would like to believe.”

Tickets are $7, $5 for students, and are available at the door before the performance begins. Payment is cash only. To reserve tickets, email kleinautheatresiu@gmail.com

Individuals with disabilities are welcome; call 618-453-5738 to request accommodations.