Alastair Curtis, a London-based writer and director, is on a mission to revive the works of playwrights lost to the AIDS epidemic through The AIDS Plays Project. His efforts aim to bring new life to the forgotten works of queer writers who succumbed to HIV/AIDS-related illnesses. Curtis, with his disarming charm and sense of responsibility, showcases the voices of these playwrights through performances that chronicle queer history while celebrating the joy of queerness.
Established two years ago, The AIDS Plays Project started with humble origins, collecting plays from queer writers across different countries. Curtis, along with collaborators such as Max and Elliott, costume and set designers, and Helen Noir, a DJ and composer, works with emerging queer talent to bring these plays to life on stage. The project not only aims to stage these plays but also to republish them, preserving the legacy of these writers for future generations.
The process of unearthing these plays involves extensive research, reading through hidden gems, and interviewing people connected to the playwrights. Conversations with friends, families, and lovers of these writers offer valuable insights into their lives and work. Curtis sees The AIDS Plays Project as a way to engage with queer elders, bridging the gap between generations and preserving the memory of those lost to the AIDS crisis.
Through careful selection, Curtis chooses plays with a festive quality that resonates with audiences, steering away from overly earnest themes. Each production aims to highlight figures who made a significant impact on queer culture but have been overlooked. By bringing these stories to the stage, Curtis hopes to keep the conversation around the AIDS crisis alive, especially for younger generations who may lack queer role models from previous generations.
The upcoming production, “Reasons for Staying” by Colm Ó Clúbhán, sheds light on contemporary societal issues while delving into Ireland’s hidden histories. The play explores themes of belonging, identity, and the shared experiences of individuals who feel displaced in society. By incorporating songs from the Brixton Fairies, a radical performance troupe from the ’70s and ’80s, the production aims to resonate with audiences and spark conversations about social justice and equality.
Curtis’s work extends beyond the stage, as seen in his short film “Sweetheart,” which captures the essence of queer social spaces in 18th-century London known as Molly Houses. The film explores the complexities of queer identity and community, drawing parallels between historical struggles and contemporary experiences. Curtis’s commitment to historical preservation and storytelling shines through in his creative endeavors, aiming to give voice to marginalized communities and reclaim narratives from the past.
As Curtis navigates the challenges of funding and staging productions, his dedication to preserving queer history remains unwavering. With plans to expand the reach of The AIDS Plays Project and tour internationally, Curtis hopes to engage broader audiences in conversations about queer culture, history, and resilience. In a world where the AIDS crisis may seem distant to some, Curtis’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of past traumas and the importance of preserving queer heritage for future generations.
📰 Related Articles
- easyJet Launches Direct Flights from London to Tbilisi
- Ysé Expands International Presence with London Boutique Opening
- Youngest UK Pub Pianist Revives Tradition with 4,300 Songs
- Wise to Transfer Primary Listing to New York, Impact on London
- Why Prince Harry Lost Taxpayer-Funded Security: Impact on Entertainment News