Holding the prize
The gay playwright of theatrical smash hit Holding the Man has been awarded the 2007 NSW Premier’s Literary Award for best play. Tommy Murphy, who adapted Timothy Conigrave’s moving story of his relationship with partner John Caleo, is the youngest ever recipient of the award and the only person to win two years in succession.
The judges commented, The play is, by turns, hilariously funny, tender and moving. It cleverly avoids the traps of sentimentality and self-pity as it journeys toward its inevitable and tragic conclusion.
Holding the Man, originally produced by the Griffin Theatre Company, completed three sell-out seasons in Sydney including its most recent at the Opera House. The play now moves to San Francisco.
