Director’s Notes: The Normal Heart
“The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” These are the words of Ethel Perry Andrus. Words that truly represent the work you are about to witness tonight. The Normal Heart was just another job I auditioned for as a professional actor. I played the role of Mickey Marcus. But I did not realize the impact and the importance of this work as a theatre piece and a message piece. We learn a great deal about each other based on our histories and actions. This play is a history on the plague we know as AIDS and is one of most important examples of getting to know what we are up against as activists and people living in the age of this disease.
The presentation of this play is not as unorthodox as you might think. Plays go through processes of evolution known as staged readings. The directors, producers, and playwrights need to see the play “on its feet” and more importantly the actors giving the characters a voice. We as actors kindly and graciously give you this work as an expression of our dedication to educating the public about AIDS and the prejudice that surrounds it. The work itself is presented in the simplest form possible – bare stage, uniformed costumes, and basic lighting. It is now your job to use your imagination to create the scenarios and situations. We hope to help you in the images you create.
Now we ask you to contribute and to give of yourself for this cause we feel so strongly.
Ricky Vergara, Director, The Normal Heart (Read More) |