LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH
30 Jan - 3 Feb
THE NORMAL HEART ADC THEATRE
The Normal Heart was written by the seminal activist Larry Kramer during the unfolding of the AIDS crisis in New York between 1981 and 1984. Originally premiering in 1985 and foregrounding the harsh realities of that period, the play is being given a new lease of life by the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club in this new run at the ADC. For producer of the show, Barash Tunahan, the timing couldn’t be more apt. “By staging this during LGBT+ History Month, we aim to keep AIDS in the conversation and dispel the misconception that the crisis is over, when both nationally and globally it looms.” For many audience members, The Normal Heart offers a profound learning experience that seeks to redress the gap in mainstream culture and education, with the exception of the most recent example of Russell T Davies’ powerful TV series It’s a Sin . Although navigating rich complexities and the difficult conversations in American society at the time, Barash describes the play’s narrative as one that ‘howls with both anguish and terror, yet with a potent core of love’. “Kramer reminds us of the enduring power of compassion, community and hope,” he says. Returning to the core of the play, all profits from the performance and at least 10% of ticket sales will be donated to the Terrence Higgins Trust – the UK’s leading HIV/AIDS and sexual health charity. “Their goal to eradicate HIV by 2030 is a mission that resonates,” says the team behind the play. “The Trust’s proven track record of championing art as a means to celebrate and platform the queer experience aligns with everything we hoped the show would be.” Barash recognises the creative legacy of those challenging the mainstream narrative and bringing new voices forward, even if it involves difficult conversations. “As performers and theatre creators, we owe a massive debt to the lineage of ardent activists and campaigners. In presenting Kramer’s play to a 2024 audience, we endeavour to set a hopeful standard and pose challenging questions for generations to come,” he affirms. “To understand The Normal Heart is to look back, then look forward.” Act fast to catch the play – the performance run ends on 3 February. adctheatre.com
QUEER DESIRE IN FICTION PANEL WATERSTONES CAMBRIDGE For a lively discussion of LGBTQ+ representation in literature, attend this panel at Waterstones Cambridge. It gathers a trio of authors to dissect queer desire in fiction. The panel will be chaired by Pip Jamie Gardner, chief executive of The Kite Trust – a local charity that supports LGBTQ+ youth across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Waterstones events coordinator Dr Amy Crawford says: “It’s important to celebrate LGBTQ+ history. As a bookshop, there’s no better way to do that than through fantastic contemporary fiction.”
The panellists include Cecilia Vinesse, author of young adult novels including Seven Days of You and The Summer of Us . The Girl Next Door is her latest novel and follows the story of a ‘horror-loving film buff’ who is stuck in a romantic comedy. Joining her is C A Castle, whose novel The Manor House Governess offers a queer and contemporary homage to Jane Eyre . Described as both a ‘coming-of–age and coming-out’ story, the tale follows protagonist Brontë as he encounters the mysterious setting of Greenwood Manor and its handsome master, Darcy. The final panellist Matt Cain became Channel 4 News ’ first culture editor after his tenure at ITV. He has penned several novels; his latest, One Love , is a joyful story charting over 20 years of love and friendship, culminating at Manchester Pride. Visit waterstones.com/events to book your spot now.
7 Feb
TOP TRIO (Left to right) Matt Cain, C A Castle and Cecilia Vinesse
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