Theatregoers in Wellington will have an opportunity to donate to the NZ AIDS Foundation's Awhina Centre during the run of the AIDS-themed play “Angels In America”, which begins in its run at the Downstage Theatre next week. Awhina Centre Regional Manager Camille Smith says she and Gay Men's Health Promoter Carl Greenwood will be at the theatre collecting donations for the Awhina Centre. Safe sex information and free condoms will also be on offer. “Whilst ‘Angels in America' is set in the mid-1980s, the issues it raises are still relevant today,” says Awhina Centre Regional Manager Camille Smith. “The story follows the lives of a number of different gay men and their loved ones as they cope in their own different ways with HIV and AIDS. “In New Zealand, HIV is still predominantly a virus that is infecting gay and bisexual men. 80% of HIV diagnoses in 2006 where infection occurred in New Zealand were amongst men who have sex with men. One new diagnosis is occurring every five days.” The play is described by its producers, the Almost A Bird Theatre Collective, as “provoking, funny and humane”, set in a conservative world where sexual orientation, religion, politics and family collide. More information on the show is available at the Downstage Theatre website at the link below. The New Zealand AIDS Foundation's Awhina Centre provides HIV testing and support for all those living with or affected by HIV in New Zealand, irrespective of race, gender, age or sexual orientation, through Positive Health clinics in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. Ref: NZ AIDS Foundation (Press Release)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 19th September 2007 - 5:17pm