Theater Reviews

Jul 12, 2008 - In Reno it's "A Life Worth Living" the continuing story of the AIDS crisis

By Jack Neal

As the AIDS crisis is a continuing tragedy, the one-act play, “A Life Worth Living,” is a work in progress.The current version of “A Life Worth Living” opened Friday night (7/11/08) at the Nell J. Redfield Performing Arts Center in Reno. It’s a play worth seeing. Especially when combined with the after-show forum – a discussion about AIDS.

The play, written by Nicholas-Martin Kearny and Stacey Spain, is short. Just thirty-five minutes. Largely acted by people on stage for the first time, there is an unaffected poetry to the delivery of lines spoken by players, who - one way or another - have a stake in the emotions borne out of love for an epidemic ignored far too long by the Reagan Administration.

The presentation itself is non-political. No blame is placed. The dialogue is about private moments and public apathy. The thrust of this event is to bring about awareness and a renewed interest in public policy, such as sex education in schools and at home that realistically addresses human sexual behavior.

The cast, who deliver with an urgency that transcends stage experience, includes Karla Calladares (Anjelica), Stacey Spain (Wendy), Lisa Stiller (Olivia), Amanda McHenry (Skye), Nancy Podewills (Virginia), Nick Falkner (Ted and David), and Jeremy Stephens (Drew).

Sponsored by A Rainbow Place, a safe haven for gay, lesbian and transgender people, “A Life Worth Living” is co-sponsored by the Truckee Meadows Community College Theater Department, Sierra Arts, Reno Out Magazine and Artown. It’s a Truthseeker production directed with loving care by Nicholas-Martin Kearny.

Original music is by Ted Owens and performed by Jeremy Stephens. The simple set design and lighting is by Ty Haggar. The poster design is by Elizabeth DeVasConCello.

Influenced at least partially by the Aids Quilt Project, quilting is an integral part of “A Life Worth Living.” The vibrant quilt design for the play is by Julie Auer.

The sincere and impassioned work of everyone associated with “A Life Worth Living” is an act of love, caring and sharing. Who can possibly ask for more?

“A Life Worth Living” can be seen at the Nell J. Redfield Performing Arts Center, 505 Keystone Avenue (in the Keystone Shopping Center) at West Fourth Street, Reno, Nevada, July 11 (the performance reviewed) and 12 at 7 p.m. and July 13 at 1 p.m. Admission (donation) $10. For information call 775-789-5671. For information about A Rainbow Place call 775-789-1780.