Not many people who lose a partner can keep them alive, unless you’re a writer.
Anthony Nocera was at university and doing a subject on electronic writing in 2015 when he decided to combine that with his love life, by testing out dating apps.
it was there he met Jamie Anderson, a larger-than-life character who was 24 years older than him.
“He was like, ‘are you a good writer?’ and I was like, yeah, and so we whent on a date and I read him some of my writing and that became seven years of my life,” he remembered.
It was during that time that his play Log Boy started to take shape.
nocera’s inspiration and writing were based on Jamie’s Tuesday catch-ups with his close friend Justin, conversations that Nocera thought were so ridiculous and funny that he began surreptitiously recording them on his phone.
[Image of anthony Nocera and Jamie Anderson with caption: Anthony nocera spent seven memorable years with late partner Jamie Anderson (Supplied)]
“There was a quality to them in that they were haunted by a lot of the loss that they’d experienced by virtue of the fact they came to sexual prominence during the AIDS crisis,” he explained.
“It was quite a chaotic time, they’d lost a lot of people and they’d lost a lot of time in their life.”
Thus was born his manuscript, with the three main characters; Anthony, Jamie and Justin.
Holding a full-time job in the arts as a publicist and marketer, Nocera would find any spare moment he could to work on it.
“Quite often he [jamie] would fall asleep before me and I would sit in bed next to him writing it and then the next day I would give him scenes and he’d read it and be like, ‘You’ve made me into a monster darl,'” Nocera laughed.
“But he loved it, it was something we did together and something he was really excited by.”
In the play, the ch
Playwright Anthony Nocera Finds Love Again While Honoring Late Partner in Upcoming Production “Log Boy”
Table of Contents
Anthony Nocera, the playwright behind the upcoming production “Log Boy,” is navigating new love while continuing to honor the memory of his late partner, Jamie Anderson. the play, inspired by their relationship, is set to be part of State Theater South Australia’s 2026 season, and Nocera is actively fundraising to bring his vision to life. He shares the bittersweet experience of finding connection again and the enduring presence of Jamie in his life and work.
“Log Boy” – A Play Rooted in Love and Loss
“Log Boy” is a deeply personal project for Nocera, stemming from his relationship with Jamie Anderson.While details about the play’s plot remain somewhat limited,its clear the production is a tribute to their bond. Nocera is currently working to secure funding for the production, aiming for a premiere in early October 2026 at the State Theatre South australia.https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/
Finding New Love and Remembering Jamie
Nocera has found a new partner, Billy, and describes the unusual desire to share this new chapter with the person he has lost. “One of the strangest things about meeting someone new after you’ve lost someone, is the one thing I really want to do is tell Jamie about it,” he explained. He believes Billy and Jamie would have connected, adding a poignant layer to his experience.
This sentiment highlights the enduring impact of grief and the complex emotions that arise when moving forward after loss. It’s a testament to the depth of Nocera’s love for Jamie that his first instinct is to include him in his present happiness.
Jamie’s Presence in the Production
Nocera is certain that Jamie’s spirit will be present when “Log boy” finally premieres. “Jamie loved attention, so absolutely, I will feel his presence, he’ll definitely be there to see that we’ve done him justice,” he said. This anticipation underscores the play’s significance as a memorial and a celebration of Jamie’s life.
key Takeaways:
* “Log Boy” is a play inspired by Anthony nocera’s relationship with his late partner, Jamie Anderson.
* Nocera is currently fundraising for the production, scheduled for the State Theatre South Australia’s 2026 season.
* He has found new love with a partner named Billy, and feels a strong desire to share this happiness with Jamie’s memory.
* Nocera anticipates Jamie’s presence at the premiere, believing he will be there to witness the tribute.
Nocera’s journey is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of love and the ways in which we carry those we’ve lost with us. As “Log Boy” moves closer to the stage, it promises to be a moving and deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. The production is not only a theatrical endeavor but also a heartfelt tribute to a life cherished and a love that continues to inspire.
Keep reading