Larry Kramer’s award-winning, semi-autobiographical play, set in 1980s New York during the first few years of the AIDS crisis, had its Australian debut at Sydney Theatre Company in 1989. Nearly 40 years later, it returns to STC in a State Theatre Company South Australia production, which opened in Adelaide in 2022. Directed by Dean Bryant, it received a four-and-half-star review from Limelight. STC Artistic Director Mitchell Butel reprises the role of Ned Weeks, a New York writer determined to uncover the truth about the mystery illness affecting his friends and colleagues, and the lack of government action. He is joined by a cast including Nicholas Brown and Tim Draxl.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

In 1989, The Normal Heart made its Australian premiere at Sydney Theatre Company to roaring standing ovations.

Almost 40 years later, Larry Kramer’s groundbreaking, semi-autobiographical and Tony and Olivier Award-winning masterpiece – set in 1980s New York during the first few years of the AIDS crisis – returns to Sydney Theatre Company: an epic exploration of a community in crisis and their resilience, courage, humour and love.

The Normal Heart is a monumental and moving tribute to the beginning of a world-changing movement and a poignant reminder of the power of people coming together and falling in love, even when the world seems to be falling apart.

Directed by Dean Bryant (Dear Evan Hansen), this production comes from State Theatre Company South Australia where it was praised as “a complete triumph” (Stage Whispers) and “the stuff of modern theatrical legend” (The Advertiser).