Shane Jacobson, Lisa McCune et al. Set for Melbourne, Sydney Readings of Dustin Lance Black's '8', June 8-9

MOMO films officially announced today that '8' the new play by Academy Award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk and J. Edgar) will come to life featuring an all-star Australian cast; Shane Jacobson, Lisa McCune, Daniel MacPherson, and Spencer McLaren with more actors announced in the coming weeks.

Directed by Bruce Myles, the Australian readings of '8' will follow the critically acclaimed NY and L.A. readings led by industry heavyweights Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Martin Sheen.

The play is an unprecedented account of the US Federal Court trial which stripped gay and lesbian couples of the fundamental freedom to marry and aims to demystify the debate around marriage equality.

Producer Kate Whitbread said "We felt compelled to bring '8' to the Australian stage after experiencing the L.A reading. It is remarkable how universal the issue is and how we all need to stand together for what is right. We are thrilled by the overwhelming support and generosity of the community in getting this play to the stage. It is going to be a spectacular and important night and definitely one not to be missed"

Writer Dustin Lance Black adds "People need to witness what happened in the Proposition 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter. The goal of '8' is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right."

The "one-night-only" special events in MELBOURNE and SYDNEY will coincide with the handing down of the senate's findings from the current enquiry on same sex marriage in Australia. All profits from this staged reading will support Australian Marriage Equality and their fight to end marriage discrimination in Australia and promises to deliver an unforgettable evening.

The show runs in Melbourne, 8 June at 7:30pm at Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition St, Melbourne 3000, then in Sydney on 9 June at 7:30pm at Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney 2000.

Tickets go on sale Monday, May 7. Melbourne: Showbiz www.showbiz.com.au P: 1300 4 SHOWS (or 1300 4 74697). Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au P: 132 849. Sydney: SHOWBIZ www.showbiz.com.au P: 1300 4 SHOWS (1300 4 74697). Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.au P: 136 100.

For more information, visit www.8theplay.com.au, follow the action on Facebook at www.facebook.com/8theplayAU or Twitter at twitter.com/8theplayAU.

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