Arts & Entertainment
Welcoming the world
Activists, filmmakers prepare for Int’l AIDS Conference with busy lineup of local events
Members of the World AIDS Institute team (l-r): Chad Johnson, Diego Alves, Noel Short, David Miller, Angela Kelly, Kevin Maloney, Dave Purdy and Mariel Selbovitz. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
As Washington gears up to host the International AIDS Conference for the first time in 22 years, local organizations have planned a bounty of free or independent events for those who could not afford the $150-$1,045 registration fee.
Global Village, an international organization that brings together leaders, researchers and performers from all over the world to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, is hosting several sessions within the conference ranging from video screenings and art exhibitions to networking zones and meeting rooms. Everything the Global Village is hosting is free and open to delegates and locals.
“We are trying to connect science, research and community,” coordinator Joseph Elias says. “It is important that the D.C. community participates to get a grasp of what is happening locally and globally.”
Several of the events will be geared toward youth under the age of 30 dealing with HIV/AIDS.
Emily Carson, youth program coordinator at Global Village, says the focus on youth has been in demand.
“Young people are disproportionally affected by HIV,” she says. “In the conference in 2000, there were only 50 young people, and they said this is a severe problem, no one is speaking for us.”
Among the many attractions in the Global Village area, there will be an interactive story telling booth called, “Generations HIV.” The booth looks like a photo booth, but it records video instead.
The booth was created by Marc Smolowitz and Jörg Fockele, both San Francisco-based filmmakers, as part of their HIV Story Project. The booth has been featured three times in the San Francisco Bay area and has so far collected about 250 clips. The HIV Story Project is a non-profit organization that compiles multi-platform story telling and short films about living with HIV/AIDS.
“The booth is a conversation starter,” Smolowitz says. “It is to connect different generations of people living with HIV. You can ask questions of different generations, answer questions or record your personal story.”
Smolowitz and Fockele are currently trying to start an archive online where all the videos will be posted.
A still from ‘Ours,’ one of the films being screened July 24-25 in the AIDS Film Festival. (Image courtesy the Festival)
Along with the booth, the HIV Story Project team also has a movie screening at the International AIDS Film Festival, which is occurring in conjunction with the conference from July 24-25. The film is titled, “Still Around,” and is a compilation of 15 short films portraying different people living with HIV/AIDS in the San Francisco area. The people were paired with 16 different directors and had direct say in their own films. The films vary, and include stories about how people are thriving with the disease. One subject is a man who copes with his HIV-positive status through a hooking ritual. Another is a couple that marries, has a daughter and faces HIV/AIDS together.
Fockele says the film is an update of what the face of HIV/AIDS looks like in the U.S. and in Europe today.
“In Europe and the U.S. there are mostly historic films about HIV and AIDS,” he says. “What we went out to do is to get a film that is right here, right now.”
The movie is opening the festival on July 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, and a pass for all four films is $25. For more information about the International AIDS Film Festival 2012, visit internationalaidsfilmfestival.org.
The film festival and several other community events are a part of the AIDS2012 Reunion, a resource for conference attendees to see what local events are taking place outside the main conference.
“The one thing we are doing is we are allowing anyone to participate,” managing director David Purdy says. “Low-income people are one group that needs support and to get educated about HIV/AIDS.”
Some of the events in the AIDS2012 Reunion as well as other community events include:
• On July 20-21, the DC Center, National Coalition of LGBT Health, Whitman-Walker Health and Us Helping Us at George Washington University (2029 G St., N.W.) are hosting the Gay Men’s Health Summit. Registration is $85, $65 for students.
• On July 21, Jay Brannan is playing at the U Street Music Hall (1115A U St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
• From July 21-27, the Textile Museum (2320 S St., N.W.) is showing a special display of one panel from the AIDS Quilt. An $8 donation is suggested.
• On July 22, there’s a March on Washington involving several different local organizations from noon to 2 p.m.
• On July 19 and 23, Arena Stage (1101 6th St., S.W.) hosts a benefit performance of its current production, the Larry Kramer-penned AIDS classic “The Normal Heart” at 8 p.m. Tickets are $65.
• On July 24, “Return to Lisner: A Forum on the State of HIV/AIDS,” is taking place at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University (2029 G St., N.W.). Registration is required.
For more events, visit the AIDS2012 Reunion website aids2012reunion.org.
These events are only a fraction of what will be occurring throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area.
Chris Dyer, organizer for the Gay Men’s Health Summit, says by hosting separate events from the conference, organizations can make them more focused on certain groups.
“Gay men’s health issues are unique,” he says. “The main conference deals with a variety of issues, but we are providing a safe place for gay, bisexual or trans men to talk about their specific issues in a safe place.”
Purdy also says that organizations like AIDS2012 Reunion bring the focus back to what is happening locally and connecting people to services they may not be aware of.
“We’re providing an opportunity to participate and win this war against AIDS,” he says.
Bringing the spotlight back to Washington, local filmmakers Art Jones and Pam Bailey are also presenting their documentary “13 Percent,” which is about how the African-American population in Washington and other metropolitan areas has been affected by HIV/AIDS in the past 10 years. The movie will be screening at Bloombars (3222 11th St., N.W.) on July 24 at 7 p.m. RSVP and $10 donation is suggested.
The film is intermixed with interviews from medical professionals, political leaders, religious leaders and those living with the virus. They showcase a variety of people affected by the disease and their stories, one of the most compelling being a young woman named Raven.
Raven was born with HIV and when her mother informed the Catholic school she was attending, Raven began facing daily discrimination from teachers and students. She describes how one teacher put garbage bags around her and would bar her from going on class trips. All of this occurred well after it was known how the virus is spread.
“I am hoping [the audience] take away the recognition that we are a community that is really threatened,” Jones says. “This film should be a call to action.”
He hopes this would lead to more exposure of how much of a threat HIV remains.
Purdy wishes similar things for attendees of the conference and the different community events.
“Really, I hope people have a new commitment or a recommitment to work together in this fight,” he says. “I would like them to share stories and remember the 30 million who have died from AIDS worldwide. There is a lot of work that needs to be done.”
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, November 28
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, November 29
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, November 30
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation” at 12 p.m. at As You Are. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy stimulating conversation. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, December 1
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.
Tuesday, December 2
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Choose Our Blend” at 6 p.m. at Stardust Vintage & Gift. Guests are encouraged to come sip, sample, and vote on a lineup of custom coffee blends from Rustic Route Coffee Co., a DMV-based queer-owned roaster. Guests’ votes will help Rustic Route choose the café’s official signature roast. Event organizers will take donations, and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, December 3
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, December 4
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Theater
D.C. theater scene has something for everyone this holiday season
‘Nutcracker,’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and much more
With its familiar music, yuletide imagery, and storytelling, theater can be a big part of the holidays. Add to that making memories and theater tickets wrapped as presents under the tree, and it’s a seasonal no brainer.
Folger Theatre presents “Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal” (Dec. 5-14); the marvelous Folger Consort will perform early Spanish Christmas carols and traditional holiday music from early modern Spain and Portugal: folger.edu/resplendent
At Round House Theatre, playwright Sam Holcroft’s “Rules for Living” (Dec. 3-Jan. 4) makes its U.S. premiere. The darkly funny holiday comedy was a hit in London and is now hoping to repeat that success with a version tailored for the states. The seven-person cast includes versatile actors Naomi Jacobson and real-life spouse John Lescault. Ryan Rillette directs. roundhousetheatre.org
Theatre J presents “Chanukah in the Dark” (Dec. 6-21), an hour-long play ideal for ages five and up. “When the lights go out during Chanukah, Max and family begin sharing songs, stories, and traditions — only to discover the lights they needed and the miracles they searched for were in their midst all along.” edcjcc.org
The Cathedral Choral Society’s “Joy of Christmas” (Dec. 13-14) presents a wonderful program of carols and beloved holiday favorites at the festively decorated National Cathedral. The program features Seraph Brass, organist Edward Hewes, Carillonneur Edward M. Nassor, percussionist Mary La Blanc of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, and the Eastern Concert Choir from Eastern Senior High School. Cathedralchoralsociety.org
With “The Holiday Show,” (Dec. 13, 14, and 20), the Gay Men’s Chorus returns to entertain audiences with its annual and most popular show.
This year the holiday extravaganza is bigger than ever at historic Lincoln Theatre with new, soulful arrangements of favorite holiday carols: “The reindeer will be high-kicking and the snowflakes will sparkle. Songs include “O Holy Night,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow,” “We Wish You the Merriest,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.’” gmcw.org
At Olney’s intimate Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, out actor Michael Russotto is back for the holiday season in his solo show “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” (through Dec. 28). The talented Russotto portrays nearly 50 different characters from the Charles Dickens classic, that proves “funnier and far more relevant than you might imagine.” Olneytheatre.org
Also on holiday offer in the DMV are a jolly bunch of musical chestnuts as well as reliable Christmas crowd-pleasers.
Included on the roster is Olney Theatre’s production of Jerry Herman’s “Hello, Dolly!” (through Jan. 4) starring the mega-talented Nova Y. Payton. Based on the play “The Matchmaker” by famed gay playwright Thornton Wilder, the musical has proved a vehicle for many a diva including Carol Channing, Pearl Bailey, Bette Midler, and Barbra Streisand. Now Payton dons the mantle and the buzz is good.
Another beloved musical is “Fiddler on the Roof” (through Jan. 25), the story of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, his family and their tight-knit community who honor tradition while contending with pogroms in Czarist Russia. Currently being performed intimately in the round at Signature Theatre in Arlington and directed by Joe Calarco, the large cast features actors Douglas Sills, Chrisopher Bloch, and terrific out actor Jake Loewenthal as the poor tailor Motel Kamzoil, all singing Broadway favorites like “Sunrise, Sunset” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker.” sigtheatre.org
At Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall is Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls” (through Jan. 4). Based on tales from famed American journalist Damon Runyon, the show focuses on two overlapping love stories set in Depression-era Times Square. The terrific score includes songs like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and more songs you’ll know. Directed by Francesca Zambello and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse.
The cast includes Julie Benko, Lamont Brown, and Holly Twyford as General Matilda B. Cartwright, which is reason enough to buy a ticket. shakespearetheatre.org
And for hardcore traditionalists there’s the Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” (through Dec. 29) with its balletic magic at the charming gilded Warner Theatre. The beloved production of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, here set in 1882 Georgetown, features a retinue of agile partiers, children, soldiers, rats, and notable figures from American history. washingtonballet.org
And last but hardly least, historic Ford’s Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (through Dec. 31), an enduring Washington tradition since I was youngish. Conceived by Michael Baron, this charming Dickens’ moneymaker again spotlights Craig Wallace as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. Fords.org
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