Premiering as a part of the 20th International AIDS Conference, STATUS is a powerful performance exploring the complexities of HIV stigma in our current day and age, at Arts Centre Melbourne for a limited season from 23 July 2014.
STATUS has been developed from the real experiences of people living with, affected by and associated with HIV/AIDS in 2014. The play was inspired and created here in Melbourne through interviews with 45 individuals (from all over the world), and the canvassing of their life experiences.
The work is designed to change negative attitudes towards HIV, celebrate the individual and start the discussion to overcome HIV-related stigma.
“Our aim is for this production to improve awareness of HIV and challenge the stigma that we know exists to-wards people living with HIV.”, says Stephen and Michelle Barber (Executive Producers; STATUS).
“AIDS 2014 was the perfect opportunity to bring these stories to a truly international audience, and we hope STATUS will touch the minds and hearts of everyone who sees the show.”
STATUS exposes the continued, debilitating stigma that positive people endure on a daily basis, and presents it for discussion and reflection. The work addresses HIV and AIDS as a global epidemic and brings the uniqueness of each individual (and their community) to life, in an intimate and provocative hour-long performance. It is a celebration of life, full of bravery, love, humour, pain, and compassion.
Featuring performers Kath Gordon, Will Conyers, Brigid Gallacher, and Matt Hickey with award-winning director Cameron Menzies (Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Malthouse, STC) at the helm. It is a ground-breaking theatrical experience, proudly presented as part of the 20th International AIDS Conference.
STATUS
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 23 – 27 July 2014
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or online at: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.statustheplay.com for details.
Image: courtesy of the STATUS Consortium