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‘Three act’ play recalls life of British gay lib personality

St. Ann’s Warehouse presents the US premiere of “A Life in Three Acts,” with performances March 4-28, Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.

The piece finds Bette Bourne, a celebrated performer and a key figure in Britain’s largely unreported post-war gay liberation struggle, on stage, telling his story to his old friend, Mark Ravenhill, one of the UK’s celebrated playwrights.

“A Life in Three Acts” is a living, breathing history edited and adapted from a series of private conversations between two friends, recreated on stage, reminiscing about the life and times of Bette Bourne. The performance is remarkably honest, and by turns humorous and angry. The story moves from Bourne’s post-war childhood to his first walk across Trafalgar Square in drag, accompanied by four gorgeous friends, to his seminal role in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front.

He recalls his life in a drag commune, the creation of the groundbreaking BLOOLIPS company in London and New York, and more, to reveal an extraordinary portrait of an individual and a movement.

Tickets are $30-$55; visit www.stannswarehouse.org or call 718-254-8779. St. Ann’s is at 38 Water Street.