The AIDS Plays Project is re-staging and re-publishing the theatrical works of writers whose lives were cut short by HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.
We are releasing their plays from the archive and returning them to the stage in one-off performances starring award-winning actors, writers and drag artists. Striving for cultural recovery and repair, we seek to mend the connection between these trailblazing playwrights and a younger generation of queer artists and audiences in the UK.Upcoming Events
PS Your Cat is Dead!
by James Kirkwood
17-19th October 2024, 7.30pm
London Performance Studios ‘PS Your Cat is Dead!’ is a raunchily funny and surprisingly tender tale of sexual discovery from the novelist, actor and playwright James Kirkwood. It was blasted as ‘homosexual wish fulfilment’ when it premiered on Broadway in 1975. Directed by Alastair Curtis, this rehearsed reading is the play’s first UK revival in over 40 years. It stars Ben Allen, Lewis Brown, Luca Kamleh Chapman and Florence Keith-Roach.
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Latest News
October 2024: “Play by play, The AIDS Plays Project is reshaping the queer theatrical canon.” We sat down with The Financial Times to talk about Kirkwood and our upcoming season. Words by Louis Wise.
Read the interview
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December 2024: On World AIDS Day, we will be returning ‘Christmas on Mars’ to the stage for a one-off performance at Rich Mix, in East London. To cover our essential production costs, we are now asking for your help.
Donate
What is The AIDS Plays Project?
Until now there’s not been a project of cultural recovery and revival in contemporary theatre. Alastair Curtis, our founder and director, discusses the project’s aims.
Video: Elijah Horne
July 2024 - The AIDS Plays Project has partnered with Polari Press to return Harry Kondoleon’s ‘Christmas on Mars’ to print for the first time in 30 years. This special edition includes a conversation with critic Don Shewey and an essay by playwright Wendy Wasserstein, as well as photos of our 2023 production. It is a moving tribute to one of America’s most enchanting playwrights.
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Get In Touch
alastair@theaidsplaysproject.comThe AIDS Plays Project was set up by Alastair Curtis. Our project has worked with: Max Allen, Elliott Adcock, Izzy Parriss, Helen Noir, Paul Hilton, Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran, Jeanie Crystal, Luke Hornsby, Sue Gives A Fuck, Lauren John Joseph, Melissa Saint, Alistair Hall, Florence Dobson, Orlando/Holly James Johnston, Sharon Small, Mary Malone, Dominic Holmes, Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea, Syrus Lowe, Adam Silver and Ms Sharon Le Grand, Florence Keith-Roach, Luca Kamleh Chapman, Ben Allen, Lewis Brown and Sorcha Stott-Strzala.
It was commissioned by London Performance Studios.
Creative production by KIND. Design by Tom Joyes.