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NY Play Revives Fiery 1993 Kramer/Fauci Debate
3 Oct
Summary
- Play recreates 1993 C-Span debate between activist Larry Kramer and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
- Director Daniel Fish theatricalizes the transcript with haunting, surreal costumes and props.
- The production highlights the power of listening and arguing effectively for change.
A New York production titled Kramer/Fauci is bringing a pivotal 1993 C-Span debate between AIDS activist Larry Kramer and Dr. Anthony Fauci to the stage. Directed by Daniel Fish, the play uses the original transcript as its text but elevates it through theatricalization, featuring evocative costumes and props that blend humor with surrealism.
The production at St Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn reimagines the fiery exchange where Kramer argued passionately for a more robust government response to the AIDS crisis, while Fauci defended institutional processes. Actors Thomas Jay Ryan as Kramer and Will Brill as Fauci capture the dynamic between ally and antagonist.
Fish aimed for a theatrical experience rather than a literal re-enactment. The performance emphasizes the lasting impact of Kramer's urgent activism and Fauci's measured scientific approach, ultimately showcasing how intense dialogue, when coupled with genuine listening, can be a catalyst for change and action, a theme tragically relevant to ongoing public health challenges.
