Lowes assisting with auditions for The Normal Heart.
by Lowes Moore III
Hello Fountain Theatre Family!!! It’s Lowes again. I am just ending my 6th week here at the Fountain. My time here has been unbelievable. This summer I’ve done more things than I can wrap my head around. The highlight these past few weeks has been getting to work very closely with the beginnings of the Fountain’s next production, The Normal Heart. Not seen in Los Angeles for almost 20 years. If you do not know the premise of the story I’ll give it to you in a nutshell from our website:
“The iconic American play about a nation in denial. THE NORMAL HEART unfolds like a real-life political thriller—as a tight-knit group of friends refuses to let doctors, politicians and the press bury the truth of an unspoken epidemic behind a wall of silence. A quarter-century after it was written, this outrageous, unflinching, and totally unforgettable look at the sexual politics of New York during the AIDS crisis remains one of the theatre’s most powerful evenings ever. First produced by Joseph Papp at New York’s Public Theater, the play was a critical sensation and a seminal moment in theater history. The play was so ahead of its time that many of the core issues it addresses – including gay marriage, a broken healthcare system and, of course, AIDS – are just as relevant today as they were when it first premiered.”
I have read the play about 5 times now and each time something new unravels. On paper the play is so powerful. Imagine what it is going to do on the stage. I have had the privilege of being the casting monitor for the audition process. I have loved every second working with Simon Levy (director) and Raul Staggs (casting director). I get to be around the atmosphere without any stress of auditioning. I can definitely get used to this.
An actor auditions for ‘The Normal Heart’.
On another note, I have been spending a lot of time doing research online and reaching out to various communities. For the extension of Heart Song, I have contacted many Jewish organizations and they have been very excited to come to see the show.
I have also been doing the same kind of community engagement for The Normal Heart. Many LGBTQ organizations have missions similar to the parts taken from the LA Gay & Lesbian center below.
To empower people to lead full and rewarding lives without limits based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
To heal the damage caused by discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, by providing the highest quality health and social services to residents of Los Angeles County in need.
To advocate full access and equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To lead through example, by living our values, sharing our expertise, and celebrating the full diversity of our lives, families, and communities.
The play was so ahead of its time when it was first produced that many of the core issues it addresses – including gay marriage, a broken healthcare system and, of course, AIDS – are just as relevant today as they were when it first premiered. It is so important that we continue to keep our community involved in the art. Because without the community there would be no art.
