12 ARTS & CULTURE
THE FOUNDER February 2022
Review: The Normal Heart, Larry Kramer EMILY RODRIGUES | CONTENT WRITER
K
ramer’s heart-wrenching and poignant play was recently put on by the National Theatre in the Olivier Theatre in October. Reviving it for theatrical production for the first time since 1986, Dominic Cooke pinpoints the struggle and persistence of the activists during the 1980s AIDS crisis. The play documents the characters’ personal losses and responses to the prejudice which is targeted at the gay community. The agonisingly distressing play records the uncertainty of the 1980s AIDS crisis, specifically focusing on activist Ned Weeks, portrayed by Ben Daniels, as he searches for recognition for the severity of the issue. With a struggle for funding and as their friends, partners and family die around them, the advocacy group appeals to those in positions of power in New York but to no avail. The conflict between the characters primarily in the advocacy group over their approach for the best course of action alongside the devastating rate at which the crisis develops facilitates moments of heart-wrenching anguish. Distinctively, the monologue from Mickey Marcus (Daniel Monks) after he feels that the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) sustaining an unjust opinion that gay men should stop having sex is particularly pivotal. There are pinnacles of high tension created through heated discussions about the disregarded political and prejudicial impact on homosexual love and sex.
And the determination is not halted by Doctor Emma Brookner. Liz Carr’s portrayal of Emma is one of tenacity. Her willpower is undeniable, and her position is unmovable. This leads to her infuriated exasperation to the male doctors on the health board, inevitably leaving the audience holding their breath in awe of her monologue. The play’s success continues as an autobiographical piece pays homage to the activists that inspire the characters onstage. Identifiably, Ned Weeks, the play’s protagonist, is based upon Larry Kramer himself and many of the events such as the founding of the Gay Men's Health Crisis involved Kramer. Brookner is also based on the historical activist and HIV/AIDS researcher Linda Laubenstein. After watching the performance, many audience members drew similarities to the public response to Source: Flickr the ensuing coronavirus pandemic where a lack of immediate knowledge led to an underwhelming plan of action. The governmental response in both cases has been seen to neglect ISABEL WEST | the severity of the issue, resulting in ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR a disproportionate response at a time where leadership is of significant he Design Museum’s The first room exhibits photos importance. tribute to Amy Winehouse taken early in her career shot Ned Weeks does not only become the is an intimate exhibition in locations of her choice, protagonist of the piece but a symbol charting her career; from a laundrette and a vintage of care, drive and dependence. handwritten lyrics from her clothes shop. In the centre While not inadvertently intending teenage years to outfits she of the room lies the street to, Kramer’s autobiographical story wore in what would be her last sign from Camden Square encourages the audience to truly where fans graffitied tributes tour. 10 years after her death, appreciate the activists of today and after her death. This room the exhibition opened on 26th most especially, those whose selfless perfectly encapsulates the November, and until 10th April actions aid a greater cause. fearless legacy she left behind, 2022 you can descend the steps What an incredibly apt time to into the museum’s lower floor, along with the air of sadness reinvigorate a plot that combines a stepping into a heart-warming that follows it. In the main room, Amy’s unique vocals political, public and private epidemic. dedication to Amy. accompany you around, as The message of The Normal Heart is her live performances are one of persistence and resilience that projected into a wall. persists in audiences of today.
Amy: Beyond the Stage T
Pages from her notebooks containing lyrics and doodles of hearts, from her Frank era are displayed in cabinets throughout the exhibition, enabling you glimpses of Amy as she was never seen before. At points in exhibition the curators invite you to put on headphones and listen to interviews and performances. You even get the chance to listen to her audition for her label, where she sung with only her acoustic guitars but still gaining a round of applause.
