The Death Of Kings

The Death of Kings by Colette F Keen, directed by Adam Deusien is a rehearsed reading of a new verbatim theatre work that relives the early 80s during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Drawing on both laughter and tears the show focuses on the experiences of gay men and the response to the epidemic by the gay community, the toll of being surrounded by constant death, stories of survival and the nobility of the individuals facing the devastation of their community. Built on interviews that took place between January and December 2012, the show tells the stories of a varied group of gay men. The work is performed by five actors: four young men in their 20s/30s who carry the voices of the men who gave their stories for the script and remember them as they were in the 80s, and one outrageously charismatic ‘ringmaster’. The Death of Kings is a moving, lively and honest display of how a community came together to face tragedy with hope, grace, courage.
Part of the World AIDS Day activities, this reading The Death of Kings is a fundraiser for Living Positive Victoria. A Q&A session with the actors, writer and director will follow the reading.