The play **Afterglow**, directed and written by **S. Asher Gelman**, is set to make its Australian debut at the **Midsumma Festival** on **January 30, 2026**. This production, which first premiered Off-Broadway in **New York City** in **2017**, delves into themes of love, honesty, and the critical importance of communication in modern relationships.
Gelman asserts that the core messages of **Afterglow** remain relevant nearly a decade later, highlighting its universal appeal. He explains, “**Afterglow** really speaks to our deepest desires which are directly connected to our deepest fears.” The play explores the longing for connection, understanding, and love, while also confronting fears of abandonment and betrayal.
Set against the backdrop of an open relationship, the narrative follows a married couple, **Josh** and **Alex**, who welcome a third partner, **Darius**, into their intimate life. As new connections emerge, the story unfolds with emotional drama. Gelman, who identifies as being in a polyamorous relationship himself, draws from his personal experiences to shape the narrative. He reflects on an extramarital relationship he had in **2014**, stating that the real issue he faced was not falling in love with someone else, but rather his lack of honesty with his husband.
The director emphasizes that the audience’s key takeaway should extend beyond the exploration of open relationships. He believes the play challenges conventional notions of love and relationship dynamics by prioritizing communication. “Ultimately, it is about honesty,” Gelman shares. “But what happens to our relationships when our lines of communication break down?”
Universal Themes in a Personal Story
Gelman aims for **Afterglow** to transcend the confines of a traditional gay narrative. He describes it as a universal love story, one intended to spark difficult conversations among audiences. He states, “The experience of **Afterglow** only begins with the play itself… The lights go on, the lights go off, the audience leaves. But that’s only part one of the experience. Part two is sitting down with the person you came to the show with and having a difficult conversation.”
Following its premiere at **Chapel off Chapel** in Melbourne, **Afterglow** will move to the **Eternity Playhouse** in **Sydney**, starting **February 26, 2026**. The play promises to be an engaging exploration of intimacy and the complexities of modern relationships, resonating with audiences seeking both entertainment and meaningful discourse.
As tickets for the **Midsumma Festival** go on sale, anticipation builds for a production that not only entertains but also encourages reflection on the nature of love and openness in relationships.
