SURVIVING FRIENDLY FIRE:
The Making of a Street Kids Theatre Project
Ian McKellen and the cast/makers of
Surviving Friendly Fire
Los Angeles, 1997
Words by Ian McKellen
This unique documentary records some of the amazing therapeutic work
which is done by the Los Angeles Lesbian and Gay Center in West Hollywood.
Young gay people arrive daily in Los Angeles after being rejected by their
families. They face an unknown future and are an obvious prey for the
unscrupulous. The Center does its best to befriend these outcasts and
settle them into a new life by organising accommodation and employment in
their adopted city. If this is done speedily, all may be well. Many,
however, miss the safety net and plunge into misery and dependence on
drugs and the seedier side of the sex industry.
The stars of Surviving Friendly Fire show what can be done to
correct the excesses of homophobia. Using their own lives as a basis for
the drama, these street kids discover self-respect through their memories
and imagination. This filmed record of their stage production is inspiring
and I was honoured to be able to make my own small contribution.
Ian McKellen narrates
Surviving Friendly Fire
It is ironic that this practical response to the challenge of
homophobia should be happening so close to the film industry, some of
whose senior members are reluctant to announce their homosexuality. —
Ian McKellen, June 2000
|
