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Normal Heart: AIDS Play Resonates with New Unrest
13 Feb
Summary
- Larry Kramer's play depicts the first four years of the AIDS crisis.
- The production speaks to a new era of protest and unrest in 2026.
- It highlights the activism and personal connections within the crisis.
Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart," a seminal play about the initial four years of the AIDS crisis, is now staged at the Sydney Opera House in 2026. Originally debuting off-Broadway in 1985 amidst the epidemic's height, the production, directed by Dean Bryant, resonates with contemporary issues of protest and unrest.
The play initially featured a set as a living document, displaying news and names of those lost to AIDS. Staged now, the crisis has become historical, yet the production's urgency demands attention, reflecting on how voices are used during crises.
Dr. Emma Brookner urges Ned Weeks, a writer, to raise awareness of the disease. Faced with governmental and media inaction, Ned becomes a fervent advocate, co-founding the real organization Gay Men's Health Crisis. His abrasive yet righteous activism is contrasted with a more subtle approach from a closeted colleague.
Bryant's production, a full-circle moment for the Sydney Theatre Company, emphasizes emotional truths and human connection, including Ned's nascent romance and his relationship with his brother. The score incorporates New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" as a touchstone.
Though some character arcs could be clearer, the actors deliver standout performances. The play concludes by acknowledging ACT UP, an organization founded by Kramer, underscoring the enduring power of activism and the need for continued advocacy.
