NYTimes.com: "“Are you the playwright?” the young woman asked the bearded, bespectacled older man who was handing out fliers on Sunday night under the marquee of Broadway’s Golden Theater. Indeed he was: At age 75, after decades trying to find a bigger platform than Off Broadway for his messages, Larry Kramer is making his Broadway debut with “The Normal Heart,” his autobiographical work from 1985 about the AIDS crisis in New York City.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Larry Kramer Hand Delivers His Latest Message
NYTimes.com: "“Are you the playwright?” the young woman asked the bearded, bespectacled older man who was handing out fliers on Sunday night under the marquee of Broadway’s Golden Theater. Indeed he was: At age 75, after decades trying to find a bigger platform than Off Broadway for his messages, Larry Kramer is making his Broadway debut with “The Normal Heart,” his autobiographical work from 1985 about the AIDS crisis in New York City.
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7 comments:
I find it very interesting that a playwright is actually engaging directly with the audience by passing out these flyers. With such a huge buzz around this production (and rave reviews by theatergoers being posted everywhere on message boards, especially regarding the performances of Joe Mantello and Ellen Barkin), I can't wait to see this production. When I saw Signature's production of Angels in America a month ago, it was very inspiring. But perhaps it would have meant more if I had lived during the 80s. Needless to say, Kramer's messages are very important and hopefully, this play will extend past its 12-week engagement.
Like the special effects guy from last week, it's great to see people enthusiastic about their work and their message and doing it on BROADWAY which has longtime had a reputation for All-Spectacle theatre with no heart. What Larry Kramer's doing is risky; setting himself up to be face-to-face with people who may be offended by his work and, not only that, but might openly disagree with him (despite the facts about AIDS, there are many stubborn close-minded people who still believe AIDS is a myth or is a Gay-Only disease or isn't responsible for the number of deaths it really is). Larry Kramer is a brave artist who can truly stand behind his work and his causes. I really admire him for that.
I like this article because it talks about what this play means to writer, Larry Kramer, as well as the people who saw it and supported it. I'd like to see this play, it woulds very powerful. I wonder how much of it is following an emotional story and how much is educational. I feel like there isn't that much to know about AIDS except how its transmitted, how to delay the effects with medicine, and that there is no cure for this terminal illness. But I really don't actually know a lot about what happens when you find out you have AIDS. Now that I think about it, I think the only other portrayal of life with AIDS I've ever seen is RENT. I should see this play.
I'm not gonna lie, I started crying when I read this article. I think what Larry Kramer is doing is incredible. Many people forget that AIDS is still a huge epidemic that is affecting people all over the world. It's a cause that has gone out of fashion like many other causes. But as someone who participates in the New York City AIDS Walk every year, I think we need to remember that people are dying everyday of AIDS. Yes, we have drugs that allow people with HIV to live much longer than in the 1980's, but this still doesn't mean the disease isn't affecting anyone anymore. I think it's wonderful that Larry Kramer's play is now on Broadway and these letters are being passed out because it will make people more aware and remember this horrible disease and its affects.
What Larry Kramer is doing is incredible. Not only does it speak to the heart, but it shows that he cares. How many people would pass out messages like these after each performance of a show they worked on? I can't say that I would have volunteered to do it, but after reading this I honestly might. It's inspiring, and more than that it's actually doing something. There are no words to describe just how great this is.
It takes great courage and devotion to your cause to stand outside every night and hand out fliers. It's surprising to learn that none of his plays had made it to Broadway before. Kramer's message is one which should never be silenced, but instead spread across the nation like wildfire. Go Larry, go.
I am glad to see that Larry Kramer's play has made it to Broadway and his enthusiasm at his age is heartening. It is sad it took so long to get there, but it is inspiring that he has made it at last. Aids is not cured, and I think this is a topic that still needs the production attention. Furthermore, it takes a lot of guts for the playwright, to get out there and meet the audience. Playwriting is usually a solitary experience. Hopefully, the play will be a great success and Kramer's message will sound through the ages. This sort of thing, gives us all hope.
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