The Theater Educated America About AIDS/HIV
AIDS was first featured in the theater in 1985 when Larry Kramer's autobiographical play "The Normal Heart" opened at the Public Theater. This play expressed what it was like living with AIDS. Kramer founded the nation's first AIDS service group, Gay Men's Health Crisis, in 1982 to serve men dying from a still-unnamed disease. It was a time when there was immense fear surrounding the disease and cruelty toward patients who had it. Much of the support for patients and the doctors and researchers who cared for them came from actors, directors, writers and others who worked onstage and backstage.
By the early 1990s, the Broadway stage was ready to again use its influence to start the national discussion on AIDS. It backed productions that featured characters with AIDS and openly discussed the disease. In spite of the scary topic, a couple of shows became blockbusters that helped change national attitudes. "Angels in America" explored the history of gay people in the U.S. as well as AIDS. It won the 1991 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Pulitzer Prize. It later expanded into a TV miniseries and opera. In addition, the 1996 play "Rent" featured characters with AIDS, and it won several Tony, Drama Desk and Obie awards. "Rent" ran on Broadway for 12 years, making it the tenth-longest running play, and has been playing off-Broadway since 2011.
Actors and Producers Sustain Major AIDS Fundraising Efforts
Larry Kramer's message came through to actors and producers loud and clear. Equity Fights AIDS was organized in 1987 as a way for actors to collectively raise money for AIDS research and patient care. A year later,The Producers' Group launched Broadway Cares. The two groups formally joined in 1992.
BC/EFA held its first major event in 1993 when Barbara Streisand organized a fundraiser reading of "The Normal Heart," featuring stars like Kevin Bacon, John Turturro, Harry Hamlin and Stockard Channing. In 2013, BC/EFA distributed almost $10.5 million in grants, and throughout the year, it organizes and presents original comedy, drama, cabaret and other events to raise funds to support research and AIDS-related projects around the nation. Many events feature casts from current Broadway shows and other well-known entertainers. For instance, an upcoming fundraising performance, "Gypsy of the Year," will include casts from "The Book of Mormon," "The Lion King" and "Chicago." It's currently auctioning a holiday backstage meet-and-greet with Donny and Marie at the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut and tickets for "Jersey Boys" and a backstage meeting with Frankie Valli.
Dancers Responding to AIDS is another way to see great performances and support this cause. Sponsored by Broadway Cares, this organization presents works from world-renowned companies, such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as local dance groups.