For Immediate Release: October 1, 2006
Media Contact: Katie Driscoll, Simpatico Theatre Project, 215.423.0254

This week Simpatico Theatre Project will help raise awareness of the continuing AIDS pandemic with the opening of their production of Patient A by Lee Blessing. Performances will be held at The Shubin Theatre from October 6th to the 29th. Tickets are $12 when ordering online at www.simpaticotheatre.org or $15 at the door prior to performance. For Group sales or questions contact Simpatico administrative offices at 215-423-0254.

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This is a case study, stripped of its anonymity. At 22, Kimberly Bergalis was diagnosed with HIV. She was Patient A, a young woman who had in all likelihood been infected by her dentist. She lost her privacy, her health, and finally her life. Lee Blessing met this dying girl who had become a symbol of both virtue and villainy, and in his provocative play, he shows Kimberly as she really was. Every case is a life and a death, and no one should be just a statistic.

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In the 1980s, Kimberly Bergalis was most likely infected with HIV by her dentist and overnight became a national star, activist and statistic. Playwright Lee Blessing was commissioned by the Bergalis family to create a new work about Kimberly’s journey from her prognosis to her death. Her case triggered very different reactions in our country. To some Americans, she was the ultimate victim of a terrible disease – a virgin, non-drug user without any questionable medical history. To others, Kimberly was yet another case where the public was allowed to separate AIDS victims into those innocent and those deserving of their fate. To tell the story fairly, Blessing placed himself in the play and added a third character, Matthew, a gay man who was also a victim of AIDS. With a delicate sense of responsibility, Blessing skillfully uses Kimberly’s life as a reflection of the pain, suffering and frustration of all individuals, family and friends that are affected from AIDS in this country. As this provocative and poignant play will show us, the opposite of innocence is not guilt; it’s knowledge.

About our Non Profit Partnership
AIDS is not over. This year marks the 25th anniversary since the first AIDS case was diagnosed in 1981. Public health officials have confirmed that a general perception that HIV is no longer a serious threat has led to increased infection rates in the U.S. In fact, according to the 2006 UN AIDS Report, the number of people infected with HIV in the U.S. has reached its highest level ever, estimated at 1.2 million. In the Greater Philadelphia Region alone there are an estimated 30,000 people living with HIV (Philadelphia Department of Health). Facing statistics like this, as given from our nonprofit partner, Simpatico Theatre Project felt that raising AIDS awareness in America is still as crucial as it was 10 years ago. By participating in AIDS Walk Philly 2006 along with their production of Patient A, Simpatico hopes to help this organization respond to this still growing pandemic. AIDS Walk Philly is a 12 kilometer walk-a-thon sponsored by AIDS Fund, whose mission is to raise money to support organizations that provide HIV and AIDS related services, while increasing awareness about HIV. In addition to raising much-needed funds, AIDS Walk Philly educates communities about the disease. “Everyone is affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. AIDS Walk Philly provides a unique opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and raise money for critical HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and public awareness efforts. By working together and walking together we can make a difference,” stated Robb Reichard, Executive Director of AIDS Fund. This year’s AIDS Walk Philly will take place on Sunday, October 15th at 9:00am. Simpatico will be postponing their usual Sunday matinee until 8:00pm that evening to encourage community members to participate with us in the walk. For more information on how to join our team and other AIDS non profit organizations, please visit our website at www.simpaticotheatre.org.

Other Events
Simpatico Theatre Project will be holding a special talk back with the playwright, Lee Blessing, after the 2:00pm performance on October 29th. Join us as we learn from Mr. Blessing first hand how he was able to balance the real life Kimberly Bergalis that he met with the fictional setting he placed her in. A great event for patrons, theater students and people working in theater alike!

Simpatico Theatre Project’s production of Patient A will be participating in this year’s Free Night of Theater event. Free Night of Theater is a national program of TCG presented locally by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia in association with the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Center City District as part of Arts & Culture Fest Oct 19-22. Patient A will be performing at 8:00pm on Thursday, October 19th as part of the event. For more information please check our website at www.simpaticotheatre.org

About the Company
Simpatico Theatre Project originated two years ago when five young theater artists decided that they wanted to focus their work on the connection between a theatrical production involving social issues and organizations that actively seek solutions to community problems. Coming together as like minds they created Simpatico’s unique mission to partner each show with local organizations and advocacy groups that encourage action with that production’s specific social issue. Simpatico moved to Philadelphia a year ago because of the thriving arts community, and since their arrival they have been busy making a name for themselves through quality performances and as active members of the community. Each Simpatico member regularly volunteers and we have been involved with such organizations as New Voter’s Project, The Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, WAVE (Women Anti-Violence Education), Center for Grieving Teens and Children, Red Cross, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania and more. Simpatico is excited to be starting their first full season this year and to continue to grow in this beautiful city.

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