Requiem

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Drama on 4: Requiem

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A true story of a young priest showing faith in action during the Aids crisis.

True story of a young priest showing faith in action during the 1980s Aids crisis, with choral and contemporary music, by Misia Butler and Harrison Knights.

Inspired by true events, Requiem follows young priest Paul as he navigates the prejudice and pain surrounding the setup of a care and education centre for AIDS sufferers in the 80s. The drama is set around the structure of a requiem mass, woven with traditional and contemporary choral music. By Misia Butler and Harrison Knights.

Paul's attempts at rallying the community are failing to make an impact when he is approached by an HIV positive young gay man, Luke. He is seeking support but struggles with the concept of it coming from a priest. Despite opposing beliefs, they slowly develop a friendship and Luke agrees to help Paul's efforts. Paul travels across the country taking funerals of AIDS victims that others won't. Over time and through hardship, Paul and Luke teach each other how their ways of life might inspire the other.

The writers’ interest in the topic arose when Harrison’s father, a member of the clergy for many years, spoke about his personal experience of the AIDS crisis. During a time of significant paranoia and prejudice, where many victims of the disease were refused funerals, he found himself travelling around the country to take them, also setting up Medway’s leading resource for community education and support. As part of the LGBTQ+ community, the writers found the connection between faith and queerness at a point of such social stigma very moving.

Harrison Knights is the Artistic Director and founder of True Voices Company, a platform dedicated to nurturing new and emerging trans talent.  He also works as a casting consultant, director and producer in theatre and has most recently started as the Inclusivity Co-ordinator for Netiflix's The Sandman. Harrison is a 2023 National Diversity Award Nominee. 

Misia Butler has an MA in Screenwriting from UAL and his work as a producer and dramaturg with True Voices Company soon developed into a writing partnership with Harrison. Misia has also worked for many years as an actor, with leading roles on stage and screen. He has just wrapped filming a leading role in Netflix’s Kaos, starring Jeff Goldblum and Janet McTeer.

Cast:
Paul……………. Jonathan Case
Luke…………… Olugbeminiyi Bammodu
Catherine……… Rosa Hesmondhalgh
Joan…………… Nadia Albina 
Singers………… Emilia Bertolini, Venetia Iga, Laurence Kilsby and Oscar Hansen,  

Additional vocal arrangements by Harrison Knights.

The poem, Jesus at the Gay Bar, was written by Jay Hulme.

Directors……………………...Harrison Knights and Misia Butler
Producer……………………. Polly Thomas
Sound Designer……………. Paul Cargill
Original Music/MD…………..Oscar Osicki
Illustration…………………… Ed Duffill
Production Manager……….. Darren Spruce
Executive Producer………… Eloise Whitmore

A Naked production for BBC Radio 4

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