The internationally acclaimed play AFTERGLOW by S. Asher Gelman is set to ignite Australian stages, receiving its highly anticipated national premiere in 2025. The provocative, tender and emotionally charged work will open at Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel from 30 January, before moving to Sydney’s Eternity Playhouse from 26 February.
Led by a powerhouse trio, the Australian cast features Julian Curtis (Gaslight, Cock, Dance Academy), Olympic diving champion Matthew Mitcham (Strangers in Between, The Pool), and musical theatre favourite Matthew Predny (Titanique, Avenue Q, Kinky Boots). Together, they bring new dimension and vulnerability to Gelman’s modern exploration of intimacy and truth.
At the centre of AFTERGLOW is married couple Josh and Alex, whose open relationship shifts when they invite Darius into their home for what begins as a single night. As affection deepens and boundaries blur, all three men are forced to confront their own desires, fears and definitions of love, loyalty and trust. The result is a raw, funny and sensual portrait of connection in the contemporary world.
Writer and director S. Asher Gelman says the story remains deeply personal nearly a decade after its creation.
“What began as an attempt to make sense of a painful chapter involving my own experience with loving more than one person has fundamentally altered the course of my life. AFTERGLOW doesn’t provide answers; it asks questions — about how we understand love, loyalty and trust — and I cannot wait for Aussie audiences to experience this labour of love, now nine years in the making.”
The play arrives in Australia following its celebrated 18-month Off-Broadway run, where it became a breakout hit praised for its emotional honesty, sensuality and fearless storytelling. International critics have called it “achingly beautiful,” “passionate and poignant,” and “incredible… not to be missed.”
With its intimate staging, frank humour and unfiltered look at modern relationships, AFTERGLOW promises a powerful theatre experience that lingers long after the lights fade.
Season Details
MELBOURNE
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Dates: 30 January – 21 February
Bookings: chapeloffchapel.com.au
SYDNEY
Venue: Eternity Playhouse, Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Dates: 26 February – 22 March
Bookings: afterglowtheplay.com.au
