Midnight Theatricals announces that S. Asher Gelman’s international hit Afterglow is returning to London in early 2024. Following sell out runs at Southwark Playhouse in June 2019 and Waterloo East Theatre later that year, the play is back by popular demand at Southwark Playhouse Borough, having seen extended runs in New York, Madrid, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. Gelman himself will direct this new 2024 production.

This raw, funny, and sensual exploration of polyamory, commitment, and modern love tells the story of Josh and Alex, a married couple in an open relationship.  When they invite Darius to share their bed for a night, a new and intimate connection is ignited. As all three men come to terms with their individual definitions of love, loyalty, and trust, relationships are challenged and futures are shaken.

With casting to be announced, this new production reunites the original, record-breaking creative team, which, as well as Gelman includes set designer Ann Beyersdorfer,  lighting designer Jamie Roderick and sound designer Alex Mackyol. Costume designer Justin Nardella, intimacy director Lee Crowley and casting director Anne Vosser join the team.

We met writer and director S. Asher Gelman and fount out everything

How do you feel about Afterglow returning to London, back by popular demand, 5 years after the sold-out runs in 2019 at Southwark Playhouse?

It’s thrilling to see ‘Afterglow’ return to London, especially after its success across the globe! The show is a product of the intense and fruitful collaboration of our original creative team; it’s a joy and a privilege to be able to reunite with them, along with some fantastic new additions to our ‘Afterglow’ family! The show is so much more than its script, and being able to bring our complete vision of the show to the London stage feels both exciting and deeply rewarding.

How has the play evolved since the first time?

In the seven years since ‘Afterglow’ first hit the stage in New York, our team has all experienced a lot of growth, both professionally and personally. On a personal note, my understanding of polyamory and how it shapes my life has deepened significantly since I first wrote the play. I have two primary romantic partners, my husband Mati and my partner Stefano, both of whom are extraordinarily supportive of me and of each other. Our family unit has granted me an understanding of the necessity of honest and constant communication (and what happens when it breaks down, which is, ultimately, what the play is about). Negotiating how these relationships fold into the various facets of my life has been equal parts challenging and rewarding. This personal journey continues to influence the script. With each production, the script evolves, and I’m lucky to have the freedom to make these updates in real time.

What shall we expect to see?

My background in dance and choreography heavily influences ‘Afterglow’, which dances in our version. The set, now in its third evolution (after New York and LA), has always been a gorgeous collaboration between lighting designer Jamie Roderick and scenic designer Ann Beyersdorfer (who won the LA Drama Critics Circle Award for ‘Afterglow’ in 2022). While there’s always an initial buzz surrounding the nudity and the shower scenes, the play’s real impact lies in the raw portrayal of relationships and the stunning stage visuals.

Where did you find the inspiration for this play?

The play is inspired by a personal experience from nearly a decade ago, when I became romantically involved with another man shortly after my husband and I opened our relationship. As my husband and I were new to consensual non-monogamy, we lacked the vocabulary and experience to properly and ethically navigate the situation, and it almost resulted in the dissolution of my marriage. That was the spark that ignited ‘Afterglow’, which ultimately evolved far past my original inspiration.

This play has seen extended runs in New York, Madrid, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. How do you feel about this as the creator?

It’s absolutely incredible to see the play’s success across the world. It’s every creator’s dream to see their work resonate with such a wide audience. The global reach of ‘Afterglow’ speaks to its power and the commitment of everyone who’s ever been a part of it. I’m extremely grateful for our ever-growing ‘Afterglow’ family.

How has the gay scene changed over these years?

I think the concept of a “gay scene” has shifted, if it ever really existed in the first place. With the prevalence of social media and dating apps, our interactions have largely moved from physical to digital spaces. This shift has enormous implications for how we connect (or don’t) with each other. Our increasing reliance on these digital “social” spaces ultimately isolates us from each other, as focus has shifted from fostering a physical sense of communal belonging to curating a digital expression of individual autonomy.

What makes this play special?

‘Afterglow’ brings a nuanced, mature, and unique perspective on relationships. I wrote it to reflect conversations I was having in real life, but not seeing represented in the arts. The play focuses on the relationships between three men, without falling back on familiar gay narratives – while those stories are important, they’ve already been told. I wanted us to tell a new story, and do so in the most visually arresting way we could.

What are your future plans?

Next up, I’ll be directing my new play, ‘Scarlett Dreams,’ set to open this April in NYC. It explores the intersections between technology and personal relationships, delving into how digital interactions influence human connections and our perception of reality. Assuming all goes according to plan, expect it to hit the London stage in the fall.

AFTERGLOW RUNS AT SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE BOROUGH – THE LARGE FROM 12 JANUARY TO 10 FEBRUARY – FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK TICKETS VISIT https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk