Overview
Synopsis
A powerful, stirring drama based on the harrowing true story of the beginning of the AIDS crisis in New York City, and the gay men who fought with an entire political system to take their plight seriously. Based on playwright Larry Kramer’s own experiences founding the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York in the 1980s, The Normal Heart follows Ned Weeks, a reluctant leader but furious activist, as he campaigns for awareness, and tends to his own friends and lovers who are dying all around him. A strong indictment against ignorance, and a heartfelt story of love and compassion, The Normal Heart is a passionate and searing portrayal of a population at war, and a plague that nips at its heels every step of the way.
Show Information
- Book
- Larry Kramer
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1985
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- new york city, 1981 - 1984
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- ensemble cast, lead male, professional theatre, college/university, College/University, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Larry Kramer was a prominent activist and fierce critic of the American government during the early years of the AIDS crisis. He had c0-founded the the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) in New York in order to raise funds for and provide services to people suffering with AIDS. However, when he became deemed too militant, he was kicked out of the organization. Saddened at this turn of events, Kramer traveled to Europe, where he visited the Dachau concentration camp in Germany. After learning that
to read the context for The Normal Heart and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
As the play opens, three men--Craig Donner, Mickey Marcus, and Ned Weeks--are waiting outside the office of Dr. Emma Brookner. Craig is very worked up as he is sure that his test results will reveal that he is dying. Unfortunately, he is correct.he is advised to collect his things from home and return to the hospital to check in. Ned, a writer, asks Emma what she knows about this mysterious disease that is killing growing numbers of gay men. She is frustrated by the lack of
to read the plot for The Normal Heart and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
The name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when the body's immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.
The accepted generic term for the LGBTQ+ theatre movement.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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