192 - As Is: The First AIDS Play

This lads kick off pride month by revisiting an oft-forgotten but foundational play in the queer canon: William M. Hoffman’s As Is. Topics include the history of the AIDS play, Hoffman’s exquisite weaponization of comedy in the face of overwhelming tragedy, and the legacy of a 90 minute play that inspired an entire genre of theater. Want more TWOAPW? Get access to our full back catalogue of premium/bonus episodes by subscribing for $5/month at Patreon.com/worstofall! Media Referenced in this Episode: As Is by William M. Hoffman. 1985. AIDS-Involved Drama Syndrome by William M. Hoffman. Poz Magazine. February 1st, 1997. Acts of Intervention by David Roman The AIDS Show Warren by Rebecca Ranson “Playwright Rebecca Ranson’s Journals Reveal Turmoil in Atlanta’s Queer Community During the AIDS Crisis” by Oli Turner. The South and the Archive. October 31st, 2023. As Is script As Is movie Interview with William Hoffman TWOAPW theme by Brendan Dalton: Patreon // brendan-dalton.com // brendandalton.bandcamp.com Interstitial: “Writer’s Block” // Written by A.J. Ditty // Feat. A.J. Ditty as “A.J. Ditty” Additional Voices for As Is Excerpts: Anne Huston, Eleanor Philips, Dara Swisher and Brent Shultz