RESISTING FASCISM ~ As Long As I Know How to Love by Tom Misuraca

Over 170 of Tom Misuraca’s short plays have been produced and stage read globally, often winning audience favorite awards. Most recently, his ten-minute play, Straight Acting, won the jury prize at Acting Out's Quare Tales in Ireland. Fourteen of his full-lengths have been produced in California, Las Vegas, Texas, Michigan, Utah and New York City. His most produced play, Geeks! The Musical, was produced Off Broadway in 2019. His full-length play, Pieces, was one of three finalists of Murphys Creek Theatre's 2024 Quill to Act Finalist Reading Series and read there in October. Then in November, he had five one-minute plays produced in a festival in Japan. 

ABOUT THE PLAY
As Long As I Know How to Love was a response to what the worst possible case scenario could be for the LGBTQIA+ community in these terrifying political times. In what I hope won’t be the not too distant future, William is glued to social media waiting to hear is yet another anti-LGBTQIA+ law is going to pass. While Alex is doing his best to brighten up the look and the feel of their home. Where William feels defeated, Alex is hopeful that no matter what happens in the outside world, they will continue to keep a home filled with light and love.

   

     ~ Excerpt published by permission, all rights held by the playwright.

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                ALAN

The tides will turn, they always do. But in the meantime, we have to remain visible.

                WILLIAM

Protest until we’re thrown in jail?

                ALAN

That, and keep having fun. Keep going to the theater and singing along with frilly musicals. Keep antiquing and giving straight couples bad advice on how to decorate. Keep going on walks and exploring new neighborhoods. Keep brunching with friends.

                WILLIAM

I’m sure SCOTUS will ban brunch next. Citing they’re more dangerous that assault rifles! While those right-winged nuts keep on shooting up drag shows and people displaying pride flags.

                ALAN

Well a Pride flag will always fly outside our house. No matter how many times it gets stolen or defaced, I’ll replace it. Even if I have to Betsy Ross one 

myself. 

 

                WILLIAM

            (under his breath)

Hope you’re able to... 

 

                ALAN

And I’m just getting started. Like Shakespeare said, “As long as I know how to love, I know I will survive.”

                WILLIAM

That’s Gloria Gaynor. 

 

                ALAN

Close enough. For as long as I’m able, this house will be a home of love. For us, and for any friends who need shelter from the storm out there. As Gloria said: “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

                WILLIAM

That was Shakespeare. 

 

                ALAN

He’s not as danceable.

               (beat)

So? You with me?

                WILLIAM

As Shakespeare said: “You had me at hello.”

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Fascism update: the Republican-controlled Senate confirms an anti-science anti-vaccination kook as Health Secretary