Present:

Altruism and Angels: A Community in Conversation

The Warehouse Theatre, Year of Altruism, Gender Benders, AID Upstate, and sponsors Tom and Debra Strange, and George and Crissy Maynard are partnering to present a series of events in anticipation of the theatres spring productions of Tony Kushners Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. Both Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika, will be presented by The Warehouse Theatre in May and June, 2014. At the center of both plays are issues which range from the personal to the political, from the human to the celestial. These events are designed to engage our community in discussion and reflection around issues of concern not only to the LGBTQI community, but allies and the community at large. It is our aim to promote education, increase awareness, and encourage constructive, compassionate conversation.

All events are free except performances of Angels in America.

For more information on any of these events, please contact anne@warehousetheatre.com.

Religion: A Discussion of the Impact on the Spirit, Advocacy and Vision of the LGBT Community Monday, January 20, 7 PM at The Warehouse Theatre In Tony Kushner's Angels in America, A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, the playwright posits that religion and God may not only be irrelevant to the contemporary world, but that they may prevent us from moving forward. This panel of clergy across faiths, led by Rabbi Joshua Lesser, editor of Torah Queries: Weekly Torah Commentary on the Hebrew Bible , will surely provoke thought.

Moving Forward - Looking Back Monday, February 17 6:30 pm at The Warehouse Theatre There are countless stories of people who have made invaluable contributions to our nations growth, whose stories remain largely unknown or unsung, because of societal attitudes toward sexuality and gender identity. Join us for an event, designed specifically for young adults, college and high school students (parents and the young at heart invited too) -- to learn more about the contributions of LGBTQI citizens, the triumphs and challenges they have celebrated and overcome, and a discussion about advocating in our own community. Local and regional non -profit organizations will be represented in order to connect you with information, services, and support. An inspiring evening of looking back into the past, to see how far weve come and where were headedPizza dinner provided!

Whos Been Sleeping in Your Bed?: McCarthyism, the Cold War, and the Politics of Sexual Orientation Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 pm, at The Warehouse Theatre During the height of the Cold War, Senator Joseph McCarthy and his allies were able to force more individuals out of government service on the basis of their alleged homosexuality than on their supposed ties to communism. Furman faculty including Dr. Scott Henderson and Dr. Courtney Tollison will explore this episode in American history, with a discussion of the subsequent struggle by LGBTQI individuals to pursue public service careers. AIDS and Altruism: Perspectives from the Early Years of the Epidemic Wednesday, May 28, 6pm, at The Warehouse Theatre As AIDS took its grim hold in the 1980s and 90s, countless angels emerged in communities across America, who selflessly gave of their time, expertise, compassion and resources, to advocate and care for those who suffered from the disease and to prevent others from contracting HIV. Join us for a discussion, guided by the voices of many who witnessed and participated in everyday, extraordinary acts of altruism, and who continue to fight for an end to the epidemic.

Pansies and Other Fruits, May 30June 19 Visual Artist Michael Brodeur will be displaying paintings from his series Pansies and Other Fruits in the theatre lobby during May and June. This body of work addresses perceived stereotypes, provides historical context and takes on pejorative nomenclature pertinent to gay culture. It is an attempt to educate and inform while challenging bigotry and ignorance. Ultimately Pansies and Other Fruits counters the negative by embracing it with humor and parody.

Angels In America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, by Tony Kushner, May 30-June 20, at The Warehouse Theatre, tickets $30.00 Tony Kushners two-part historical drama captures the lives of unforgettable characters in an epic theatrical event. The year is 1985 in New York City Reagan is reelected, the AIDS epidemic is rising, and those who must confront a changing reality struggle to understand, comfort, and challenge each other. In a time of deadly issues and intense change, Kushner creates a tumultuous mlange of historical and supernatural forces, of theology and politics, tackled by a relentless cast of eight actors. Intended for Mature Audiences: Adult themes, strong adult language, frank discussion of sexuality, nudity and simulated sexual intercourse. Directed by: Jayce T. Tromsness Sponsored by Debra & Tom Strange, The Fredric E. Hasert Memorial Trust Performances: Part 1: Millennium Approaches May 30th and 31st, June 12 and 19th at 8:00 pm, June 14 and 21 at 2:00 pm. Part 2: Perestroika June 6, 7, 13, and 20 at 8:00 pm, June 7 at 2:00 pm