DEAR HARVEY
A Play by Patricia Loughrey,
Music by Thomas Hodges,
Directed by Peter Howard
Hello!
A Note from our Artistic Director, Jeff Janisheski
Welcome to Dear Harvey, the second show in our 30th Anniversary Season. This moving tribute to Harvey Milk reminds us of his inspiring life and profoundly important activism – and it marks the 40th anniversary of his assassination... with attacks on LGBTQ+ people on the rise – it is an urgent story to tell...
Dear Harvey is a powerful reminder about hope and the need to continually fight for justice. Milk said, “Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.” Patricia has crafted a beautiful tapestry of different voices from the past – she mixes Harvey’s voice with the voices of those who knew and worked with him. It is so vital to hear those voices, learn from them, fight for LGBTQ+ rights and stay hopeful...
Jeff Janisheski
Artistic Director, Cal Rep
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Extensively researched and beautifully constructed, this documentary-style ensemble play recounts the life and lasting impact of groundbreaking LGBT activist and politician Harvey Milk, as told by the people who knew him best. Spoken word combines with multimedia and music as an ensemble cast moves in and out of the identities of real-world figures whose lives were forever altered by Milk's too-short career. This spirited play reaffirms his impact and the continued relevance of his campaign towards equality, three decades after his assassination.
Patricia strongly feels that the second act of the play is a discussion with the audience.
You are encouraged to stay and lend your voice to the conversation.
"Harvey's hope belongs to you."
-Patricia Loughrey
AUDIENCE DISCOVERY
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While everyone can enjoy our show regardless of background knowledge, the following resources may help to contextualize the events on stage.
Civil Rights
The Stonewall Riots:
Marking the beginning of the movement for LGBTQ rights... Read more >
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These films chronicle the events surrounding the police raid Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, in 1969.
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Defense of Marriage Act:
In 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down DOMA, holding that was unconstitutional for a violation of the fifth amendment. For more LGBTQ+ history milestones... Follow this link >
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This Year in India:
On September 6th of this year, India decriminalized same-sex conduct. Read more >
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Times of Harvey Milk:
A biography of Harvey Milk's political career. Watch now >
HIV & AIDS
Basic Information:
Thanks to scientific developments, people with access to treatment can now live long and healthy lives with HIV/AIDS. Follow this link for more information on the confusing early days of the epidemic. Read more >
The AIDS Quilt / The NAMES Project Foundation:
Arguably the largest community arts project ever undertaken, today, the NAMES Project Foundation has raised over $3,000,000 for AIDS service organizations by continuing the Quilt's legacy. Read more >​​
Costs of Treatment:
Big pharmaceutical companies profit from providing treatment. The estimated lifetime cost for individuals diagnosed with HIV at age 35 is about $330,000 (in 2012 dollars, discounted at 3%). Read more >
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Watch Interview with Patricia Loughrey about the process of creating "Dear Harvey"
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Activity
"Someone who changed my life is..."
Think of someone who has changed your life for the better. In small groups, each person tells the story of how they were impacted.
Debrief:
How did you feel while you were telling your story? When you were listening? The people whom we told stories about, what are some qualities they had in common?
Guiding Questions
Pre-show Questions:
What do you know about the history of LGBTQ+ people?
How do you honor someone you love when they're not in the room?
What is your relationship to gratitude?
What is something the world needs to understand about you?
Post-show Questions:
What was the main idea of this show?
What surprised you?
What is one image from the performance that stands out in your mind?