The AIDS Plays Project is reviving and republishing 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 writers and a younger generation of artists and audiences in the UK.

Since establishing our project in 2023, we have staged plays by trailblazing writers including Charles Ludlam, Harry Kondoleon, Robert Chesley, James Kirkwood, Colm Ó Clúbhán, Alan Bowne, George Whitmore, Jim Jewell, Jean-Luc Lagarce, and Reinaldo Povod. From a drag-heavy riff on La Traviata to a tender tragedy about phone sex, a bisexual comedy once booed off Broadway to a searing exploration of queer life in 80s Ireland, we unearth hidden gems from history and return them to the contemporary stage.

Posters: Tom Joyes and Fran Ortega

From the ArchiveFrom the ArchiveFrom the ArchiveFrom the ArchiveFrom the ArchiveFrom the Archive

Each production is accompanied by memories, tributes, and interviews with the writer’s surviving friends, family, and loved ones. Together, we’re building an archive to carry the legacies of these writers forward.

On World AIDS Day 2024, we partnered with the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt for our production of Christmas on Mars in East London. Several quilt panels—bearing names like Ian Charleson and Nureyev—formed the backdrop to Harry Kondoleon’s haunting exploration of love and loneliness in 80s New York.

Photo: Jake Bush

Now in printNow in printNow in printNow in print Now in print

Now in printNow in printNow in printNow in print Now in print

As our project continues to grow, we’re now working to bring these plays into print—some for the very first time. In 2024, we partnered with Polari Press to republish Christmas on Mars in a special edition featuring a conversation with Don Shewey. It serves as a moving tribute to one of America’s most enchanting playwrights.
Shop Now

Get In Touch

alastair@theaidsplaysproject.com
The AIDS Plays Project was set up by Alastair Curtis. Our project has worked with: Emily Aboud, Elliott Adcock, Ben Allen, Max Allen, Lucas Aurelio, Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea, Rakie Ayola, Omar Baroud, Matthew Beard, Dickie Beau, Lewis Brown, Connor Byrne, Rory Fleck Byrne, Luca Kamleh Chapman, Cavan Clarke, Jeanie Crystal, Florence Dobson, Liadán Dunlea, Selina Griffiths, Helder Fernandes, Alvaro Flores, Sue Gives A Fuck, Alistair Hall, Nicky Harris, Darragh Hand, Georges Hann, Mariam Haque, Paul Hilton, Dominic Holmes, Luke Hornsby, Safiyya Ingar, Orlando/Holly James Johnston, Lauren John Joseph, Florence Keith-Roach, Katherine Kingsley, Abigail Lawrie, Ms Sharon Le Grand, Júlia Levai, Syrus Lowe, Calum Lynch, Mary Malone, Taylor McClaine, Justine Mitchell, Helen Noir, Cyril Nri, Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran, Julian Ovenden, Rachel Pickup, Melissa Saint, Adam Silver, Malcolm Sinclair, Sharon Small, Stuart Thompson, and Alan Turkington.

It was commissioned by London Performance Studios and has also performed at Rich Mix and TheirStories at The Standard.
Creative production by KIND. Design by Tom Joyes.

The Rights Spook Reasons for Staying P.S. Your Cat is Dead! Jerker Christmas On Mars Camille

George Whitmore Alan Bowne Colm Ó Clúbhán James Kirkwood Robert Chesley Harry Kondoleon Charles Ludlam

Tickets Press Instagram Subscribe

Spook

by Alan Bowne

The Rights
Spook
Reasons for Staying
P.S. Your Cat is Dead!
Jerker
Christmas On Mars
Camille

George Whitmore
Alan Bowne
Colm Ó Clúbhán
James Kirkwood
Robert Chesley
Harry Kondoleon
Charles Ludlam

Tickets
Press
Instagram
Subscribe