Memories of a Supernatural AIDS Crisis
In this exploration of the AIDS pandemic that combines speculative fiction with activist histories, Memories of a Supernatural AIDS Crisis asks: “What would happen if HIV conferred supernatural powers?” This question serves as the catalyst for a kaleidoscopic performance that interweaves theatre, dance, and song. The story tackles core HIV/AIDS challenges like stigma, racial disparities, and the accessibility of prevention and care in a dimension where characters embody memories from AIDS history and transform themselves with the mystical “Balm of Gilead.” Set a century into the future, in a Detroit that stands as Earth's final stronghold after the ravages of global warming, this queer sci-fi drama follows Xylophlactis, an astronaut of the human body, and Pandrion, a Black trans cybernetic heroine. Together, they traverse violence and euphoria in a love story that forges a new, empowering cosmic existence.
Written & directed by Marc Arthur
Performed by Notorious Pink Flowers, Yolanda Jack, and Joe Smentowski
Lighting design by Justin Gibson
Audio engineer John Pierre
Co-Produced with Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University and supported by a Wayne State University College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Creative/Research Grant
Run time: one hour, without an intermission.