Hailed as “exceptionally beautiful” (Vancouver Courier), Jessie-nominated My Funny Valentine was written in response to the tragic 2008 murder of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old shot by his male classmate after King asked the boy to be his valentine.
When Vancouver-based playwright Dave Deveau first read about the murder, "It just hit me in the solar plexus. It was something that just caught me off guard and I needed to know more." In response, he wrote My Funny Valentine, which was first performed in 2011.
Through a series of profoundly moving monologues Vancouver actor Conor Wylie takes audiences through the minds of those caught in the aftermath of an unspeakable hate crime. Seven characters—including a journalist, a disgruntled father, an 11-year-old girl, and a teacher—on the fringes of this murder find themselves caught in the orbit of King’s death. Each one offers poignant and probing reflections, and together they represent a nuanced and diverse community in mourning, trying to heal.
My Funny Valentine was nominated for three Jessie Richardson awards, is the recipient of the Sydney Risk Prize and was nominated for Ireland’s Oscar Wilde Award for ‘Best Writing'. The play is directed by Cameron Mackenzie and produced by Zee Zee Theatre.
To be shown at Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall, 13450 – 104 Avenue, Thursday, June 28. Tickets are $25-35, including all fees. For advance tickets call Surrey Civic Theatres Box Office at 604-501-5566 or visit tickets.surrey.ca. Tickets will also be available at the door.