The Normal Heart

Ad Astra’s new production of The Normal Heart opened to a sold-out crowd who were visibly moved by Larry Kramer’s heart-breaking autobiographical play. First performed at New York’s Public Theatre in 1985, The Normal Heart is a microcosm of events at ground zero of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s. It explores gay relationships, the health crisis and the frustration of advocating for action, using just a small selection of central characters: Kramer’s alter-ego, Ned Weeks (Gregory J Wilken), his boyfriend Felix (Felix Jarvis), his brother Ben (Luke O’Neill), and Ned’s friends – the core group of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the organisation he establishes – Bruce (Sam Hocking), Mickey (Mathew Alec Costin), and Tommy (Rad Valance). Ned also develops a relationship with a likeminded spirit, Dr Emma Brookner (Madeleine Little), one of the first to identify the urgency of the disease. Like Ned, she faces the prejudices and brick walls of her own community – in her case, in the healthcare and medical research worlds.

After living through recent pandemic years, you might not feel like facing a play about the AIDS crisis – but trust me, you will want to see this production, as your own experience and vulnerabilities of the past two years will help draw you in to the play’s themes, as Ned and his friends deal with lack of information, conspiracy theories, and non-existent local and national government support. Relationships are put on hold, or worse, and life has a sense of urgency. Kramer’s wit and wisdom mean that this could never be a drab play – and, especially in the first act, parts of the script are bitingly hilarious – but without the New York humour and pace, it could labour and confuse. That is never an issue with such a bright cast, masterfully directed by Michelle Carey and Anna Loren. And Ad Astra’s small theatre space is the perfect venue – rather than intimidate, the closeness is consoling and allows for some very natural performances from this talented cast. Creating the heart of this piece are Ned’s three crucial relationships: his first real love, Felix; his sometimes estranged brother, Ben; and his simpatico with Dr Brookner. As Ned, Gregory J Wilken holds the weight of Kramer’s script on his capable shoulders, and he shows the depth of his range, moving between one of the funniest first date scenes ever, to the rage of frustration as he tries to create change for his community. As Ned says to Felix: “Talking’s not my problem; shutting up’s my problem!” Wilken’s passion for this project (he is also producer) infuses his energetic and heartfelt performance. As Ned’s love interest and New York Times lifestyle reporter, Felix Jarvis wins hearts from word one. It’s hard to believe that Felix is still studying his craft, as his confidence on stage and ability to move from romantic comedy to high drama are already finely honed judging from this performance. Ned’s older brother, the somewhat conservative lawyer, is played so convincingly by the experienced Luke O’Neill that you’ll want to check the actors’ birth certificates. The brothers’ scenes are so very real and moving. Ned’s desperate need for acknowledgement leads Ben to say, “Agreeing that you were born just the same as I was born isn’t going to save your dying friends!” and Ned retorts “That is EXACTLY what is going to save my dying friends!” O’Neill’s deft touch when he utters to Felix “I wish I’d met you sooner” is a simply heart-wrenching example of the time wasted by some family members in denial or fear. 

Joining forces with Ned is Dr Emma Brookner, (Kramer’s tribute to the physician and early AIDS researcher, Linda Jane Laubenstein) played beautifully by Madeleine Little (who shares the role with Janelle Bailey for different productions). Dr Emma is a victim of the polio virus and so uses a wheelchair. And, while that does not prevent her ground-breaking work, her physical frustration is an important mirror of the story’s themes, and her fearlessness in the face of illness an inspiring part of the play. As a seasoned performer and Festival Director of Undercover Artist Festival, Madeleine has a stage confidence that matches Dr Emma’s steadfast dedication. It’s wonderful to see her in this important role.

As we celebrate marriage equality, Gay Pride and Mardi Gras, it’s imperative to remember the activists at the foundation of today’s civil rights. They are another beating heart at the core of this story, and a team of very talented Brisbane-based actors (some graduates; some still studying) successfully bring that group to life with chutzpah and soul. Sam Hocking brilliantly captures the complexity of Bruce, the former Green Beret and closeted city banker whose looks have always helped him get what he wants. Mathew Alec Costin is perfectly cast as the warm and witty Mickey, and Rad Valance gives the character, Tommy, a Southern outsider, some wonderful laugh-out-loud moments with excellent comic timing. Tom Harwood and Liam Wallis also play multiple character roles, representing the breadth of characters drawn to the big city at that time, all affected by the epidemic. And by the way, the American accents are impeccable. The Normal Heart is a very wordy play, but this cast of actors do not miss a beat. The production is also supported by a simple but effective set design that lets the performers take centre stage, plus spot-on costumes, make-up and backstage work by Caitlin Hill and Cale Dennis, neat lighting by B’Elanna Hill, and a perfect handpicked musical backdrop that takes you from the joy of the disco floor to a more circumspect space courtesy of Jim Croce and Simon & Garfunkel. Ad Astra’s production of The Normal Heart has a strong ensemble connection and comradeship that you won’t want to miss seeing in action. And I can’t wait to see what these performers do next.

Beth Keehn

Find out more: www.adastracreativity.com/productions/the-normal-heart

Read our interview with Gregory J Wilken: www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/two-strong-hearts

Images courtesy of Christopher Sharman, Colin Bushell & Ad Astra