LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
One Act Play Will Mark Your Soul |
Markings of the Soul will be performed at the Delaware Art Museum, Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 18, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a reception immediately following the play each night. Proceeds from the event will support HIV/AIDS treatment education and early intervention programs of the Delaware HIV Consortium. Kerry O. Burns, originally from New Jersey, is an actor/writer living in New York City who wrote, developed, and now performs this one-man show called Markings of the Soul. Kerry Burns leads the audience through a journey of life, love, and death as he relives his relationship with his older brother, Timothy Alan Burns. In his one act play, Burns tells a powerful story about his brother who was ostracized from the family when they found out he was gay. In 1986 Burns moved to Atlanta to help care for his brother when he learned of his AIDS diagnosis. Ranging from relaxed humor to shouting rage at the frustrations of dealing with a disease that was taking his brother, Burns discovers that his brother's illness is not the only fight he has to face. He must also deal with society's prejudices, which are just as fierce. "The last 40 minutes of the play are as riveting and as powerful a theatre experience as anything you are likely to experience", Burns says. He also states that the play has a unique perspective because it is told from the viewpoint of the straight brother. "It is a true story I tell in a moving and often very funny series of related vignettes." Whatever the brothers' differences were, love was the powerful source of their accomplishments and will leave a "mark on your soul." In the play, Burns takes on several different personas. At times he portrays his fathera strong, Irish bricklayer, who was also an alcoholic. At other times, he takes on his brother's personality as an artist. Kerry Burns includes his brother's artwork in the performance. Sue Weimer, Executive Director of the Delaware HIV Consortium, says, "We are pleased to sponsor this performance, to heighten awareness of the stigma that continues to attach to those living with HIV and the devastating impact of the disease on individuals and families within our community." The Delaware HIV Consortium's mission is to see that Delaware residents with HIV are provided with the highest quality AIDS-related services available. In addition, the Consortium coordinates statewide efforts to plan effective HIV preventive programs. Tickets: $25 adults (students $15) are available by calling the HIV Consortium at 302-65-5471. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 3, Apr. 7, 2000. |