Written by San Francisco Bay Area kids age 10-17 from interviews with eight couples (five gay, three straight) Prop 8 Love Stories is about LOVE, LIFE, and DISCRIMINATION. The play (featuring Sally Miller Gearhart and Phyllis Lyon as interviewees) is so moving and hilarious it is now heading to off-Broadway in NYC.

These kids are the antidote to hatred and intolerance. Please support their efforts by visiting their website http://www.thewalkingelephant.blogspot.com.

Watch the extraordinary trailer of their play:

Morgan Ray writes “The play is not a political argument. It’s not about sex. It’s about people, relationships, love and life. It’s about what we all have in common.”

Brian Glenn Bryson is Founder and Artistic Director of Walking Elephant Theater Company, based in Santa Rosa, and the creator/director of Prop 8 Love Stories. The company got its name because its young actors create original theater about “elephant in the room” issues such a discrimination, bullying and homophobia, based on interviews with relevant community members.

“Walking Elephant guides young actors out of the classroom and into the real world with project-based experiences that connect them to their local and global communities. Their goal is to explore compelling social issues and foster a world of empathic human beings at peace with each other and themselves” Bryson says.

Twelve-year-old Elizabeth Brown, who plays four instruments in the musical and portrays Melecio Estrella, says it’s been worth it: “I got to learn about gays and lesbians and what feelings they go through. It has been very educational and I would not trade this experience for anything.” Other cast members echo her sentiment.

But Brown’s mother, Seong Brown, said she had to think long and hard before allowing Elizabeth to join the cast.

“I wasn’t sure Elizabeth was old enough to handle such a complex subject,” she said. “But, I’m so proud of her. She has learned to think for herself. I’m glad she’s had this opportunity of a lifetime.”

Prop 8 Love Stories is headed for an off-Broadway run at New York Theater Workshop, July 29-31 and Aug. 4-7.

Those who can’t attend but wish to help support the troupe can donate online at www.8LoveStories.BlogSpot.Com