Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens

A piece of queer history, by Bill Russell and Janet Hood

Born from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens gives life and, more importantly, voice to those lost and left behind in the wake of the AIDS epidemic.

This brand new production fuses Bill Russell’s original free verse poetry and Janet Hood's musical score with new choreography by Jesse Matthews, striking right to heart of what it means to survive and be remembered.

An ensemble of actors and musicians will bring this collection of songs and monologues to life, sharing this pivotal work with a new generation of queer folk - helping us all connect to our history.

The first full staging of Elegies for Angles, Punks and Raging Queens was presented by T.W.E.E.D. in association with Justin Ross as part of the Sixth Annual New Works Festival at the Ohio Theater in New York City on May 18, 1989.

Jesse Matthews (he/him) – Co-Director & Choreographer
Jesse studied Music Theatre with Bodywork Dance Company in the UK. He is Resident Choreographer for one of Australia’s leading contemporary classical music ensembles Forest Collective. Choreographic credits include Tides (2021) Waves (2023) and Labyrinth which he co-directed as part of Midsumma Festival (2024).

Manda Rozen-Flannery (she/her) – Co-Director and Producer 
A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium, Manda’s credits include Sonja in The Life, Sheila in A Chorus Line, Kiss Me, Kate with Queensland Opera, and Dance Caption for both Sweet Charity and West Side Story. Manda launched Heirlume Productions in 2025, making her producer and solo show debut in Liza’s Good Judy at Midsumma Festival, a cabaret she wrote both the script and musical arrangements for.

ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS AND RAGING QUEENS

• Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell
• Music by Janet Hood
• BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL
  ON BEHALF OF SAMUEL FRENCH INC.

origintheatrical.com.au