The Normal Heart

Writer and activist Larry Kramer’s uncompromising autobiographical play about the AIDS epidemic in New York broke new ground when it premiered in 1985 at the Public Theater, going on to become a multi-Tony Award-winner on Broadway and to inspire the HBO film.

Set during the first years of the crisis in 1980s New York, a furious Ned Weeks (Kramer’s fictional alter-ego) co-assembles a group to help expose the truth about the mystery illness killing their friends, lovers and other men across the city. Ignored by politicians, the media and many of his colleagues and family, Ned’s anger turns to rage as he tries to unite his community in the fight for their recognition and survival.

In its Adelaide premiere, The Normal Heart embraces a new generation with State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Director Mitchell Butel in the pivotal role of Ned.

Documenting Kramer’s years on the frontline of a health crisis that would change the world, fuelled by passion and empathy, this gripping drama from the man described by Susan Sontag as “one of America’s most valuable troublemakers” is must-see theatre. An electrifying story about a pandemic many tried to ignore and the people who refused to let them do so.