Holding the Man (play)

Holding the Man is a stage play adapted by Tommy Murphy from the 1995 autobiographical novel of the same name by Timothy Conigrave. The play chronicles the 15-year love story between Conigrave and John Caleo, two young men who meet as students at Xavier College in Melbourne, Australia, and navigate the challenges of their relationship throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, particularly the impact of the AIDS epidemic.

The play generally adheres closely to the events depicted in the book, focusing on their initial attraction, the societal pressures they face as a gay couple, periods of separation and reconciliation, their individual experiences of coming out to their families and friends, and ultimately, their shared battle with HIV/AIDS. It highlights the personal and political context of being gay in Australia during a time of significant social change and prejudice.

Productions of Holding the Man have been staged across Australia and internationally, receiving critical acclaim for its honest and moving portrayal of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity. The play is notable for its use of minimal staging, often relying on the actors to convey the emotional weight of the story through their performances. The success of the stage adaptation has contributed to the continued awareness and impact of Conigrave's original memoir.