AIDS in the Theater

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the topic of AIDS and the way the gay community is dealt with in the "The Normal Heart" by Larry Kramer an "As is" by William Hoffman. It looks at how "The Normal Heart" centers around a theme of growing realization regarding the AIDS epidemic globally and nationally. An important character in this play is Ned, a gay man, who becomes increasingly worried about the number of people he knows dying from AIDS. It examines how "As Is" also demonstrates the different factions regarding AIDS homophobia. The play is set in New York City and looks at the disease from a social point of view and perpetuates a more real sense of hope.

From the Paper:

"Bruce is a gay man who perpetuates homophobic fears by living in fear of discovery in his business world. Bruce is an example of a character that prefers diplomacy and preferred not to confront his pears about the AIDS epidemic. His behavior is shameful. By failing to act in a proactive manner, Bruce cheats the gay community. Ned would have performed in just the opposite manner, acting as a voice against the AIDS epidemic. Bruce states at one point, when asked if he is an activist, that he is not. He says, "We're not activists." He also claims he will do nothing, stating, "I'm only in this until it goes away." (44). Bruce also believes that the political platform for gay men has nothing to do with anything except for sex. Ned is referred to in the play by Dr. Emma as a "big mouth" to which she believes is a "cure" for the epidemic (22) Emma also expresses her concern that nothing "important is going to happen because it seems to be happening mostly to gay men."

More papers on AIDS in the Theater:

• Film Review # 96878 : "Review of "The Red Shoes"
• Book Review # 111273 : "Ariel Dorfman's "Death and the Maiden"
• Film Review # 128290 : "Analysis of Jonathan Larson's "Rent"

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