![HACC TheatreWorks cast members in "Patient A"](/newsroom/2009/images/Patient "HACC TheatreWorks cast members in "Patient A"")
Feb. 16, 2009
HARRISBURG – HACC TheatreWorks presents “Patient A,” a drama documenting the experiences Kimberly Bergalis, whose case marked the first known instance of HIV transmission from a healthcare worker to a patient.
Written by playwright Lee Blessing at the family’s request, “Patient A” will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7 in the Studio Theatre (A104) of the Rose Lehrman Arts Center on the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.
Directed by Theatre Professor Marnie Brennan, “Patient A”addresses the issues of HIV testing, ignorance, discrimination and personal responsibility against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic in America. The moral complexity of these issues is skillfully interwoven into the profound nature of Kim’s predicament.
Matthew, another character, emerges as a composite of thousands of AIDS sufferers, while Lee (the playwright) is the third character. As the play recounts Kim’s case, highlighting the media and political circus surrounding it, we see all three characters struggling not only with the debate but with their innermost feelings about themselves and each other.
“Patient A” is a platform for a young woman’s rage against the violation of her body, a catalogue of symptomatology and a forum for conflicting attitudes.
The cast includes Kimberley Bergalis, played by Vida Joines; the intense Lee, played by Mark Deiter, and Matthew, played by Kyle DiRaddo, recounts details rather than develop characterizations.
“Patient A” features an abstract set designed by Dave Olmsted, theatre scenic designer/production manager, complemented by lighting designed by Lori Friedlander, theatre technical director, and costumes designed by Paul Foltz, theater instructor.
Tickets are $10 adult and $7 student/senior citizen, available at the RLAC Box Office at 231-ROSE (7673) or online at www.LiveatRoseLehrman.org. Early reservations recommended. There will be no admittance after the play begins.
(Note: This play is not appropriate for children under the age of 17.)
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