Brad Pitt Joins '8,' Dustin Lance Black's Prop. 8 Play
Dustin Lance Black's Prop. 8 play has been slowly picking up stars as it makes its way across the U.S., and the latest announcement is one of the biggest yet -- Brad Pitt will be joining the cast of the West Coast premiere of "8," alongside George Clooney and Martin Sheen for its one-night-only reading at Los Angeles' Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Saturday. For this star-studded evening, the play will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
"8" follows the trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the case AFER filed with the federal district court to overturn the gay marriage bill that struck down the right for gay and lesbian couples to marry in California. Last month, a federal appeals court ruled California's ban unconstitutional.
Black -- who won an Academy Award for "Milk" for Best Original Screenplay, and more recently penned the script for "J. Edgar" -- researched for "8" by culling trial transcripts, firsthand accounts from the courtroom and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families.
"8" began as a one-night-only benefit in New York City last September -- starring Morgan Freeman, Rob Reiner and Marisa Tomei, among others -- but has since announced national plans, including this reading in Los Angeles and dozens of productions across the U.S. where gay marriage battles are underway, including Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire and North Ca! rolina. Unlike the New York and Los Angeles readings, subsequent productions will star local actors.
Brad Pitt will star as United States District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who found Proposition 8 unconstitutional during its public trial. Walker, who is gay, was criticized by some for his decision, accusing him of gay activism. Others argued he is just a human with a sexual orientation, like any other human.
To catch the webcast on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. PST, go here.
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