Solo series focuses on sexuality, race

29 Dec 9:14 p.m. - Due to an editing error, this story incorrectly states that this show is one person acting out five personalities. It is a five-person show. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for the error.

The five-part dramatic series that begins today includes everything from sexuality and race to incarceration — but all of the shows share a common thread as solo performances.

Each of the performances in the series, “Solo Takes On: Divas, Detentions and Diaspora [3],” is an original work created by its own performer.

Michael Kearns [4], an internationally known actor, will perform “Intimacies [5],” a work he originally created 20 years ago.

Kearns said he wanted to create a response to how HIV and AIDS were being portrayed at the time.

“HIV and AIDS were being portrayed in artistic terms as a white male, gay disease,” he said.

Bothered by the fact that the population of people infected varied greatly from that single group, Kearns developed “Intimacies” to inform his audience that people of all races and sexual orientations could also contract the disease.

Kearns considers himself an “artist activist,” as he tries to spread political messages by performing.

“When I walk on the stage, it is a political act as well as a theatrical act,” Kearns said.

UNC’s Student Health Action Coalition will provide free HIV testing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday preceding Kearns’ performance.

Gregory Ramos [6], a professor [7] in the department of theater at the University of Vermont, will perform “Border Stories [8],” a piece about being both Latino and gay.

Ramos said he created the piece based on more than 50 interviews he conducted on the U.S.-Mexico border with people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual.

“It seeks to look at the border as a metaphor for construction of identity,” Ramos said.

Ashley Lucas [9], a professor in the Department of Dramatic Art,  will be performing “Doin’ Time: Through the Visiting Glass [10],” a piece about incarceration.

While doing research for the piece, Lucas interviewed people who had family in prison and spoke with about 400 prisoners.

“I was inspired to write the play because there are so few places where people with incarcerated loved ones can speak openly about what has happened to them,” she said.

Graduate student Kashif Powell will perform “Jena Six,” a piece about race relations in education.

Senior Maria Facelli, who goes by Victoria Belle Hegemony, will perform her piece “Hard as Diamonds” as part of the festival.

This piece features one person acting out five personalities, and focuses heavily on European drag and the transsexual scene in cabaret form, said Joseph Megel, managing director of performance.

Attend the performances

‘Intimacies’

A play about six people living with AIDS while leading completely different lives. Kearns performs all six roles, adjusting only his body and a red scarf to transform into the different characters.

Running at 8 p.m. today and Saturday at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro.

‘Doin’ Time: Through the Visiting Glass’

The piece explores the experiences of 400 prisoners, their families and prison-related workers.

Running at 3 p.m. Sunday, at 5 p.m. Nov. 21 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 22 in Swain Hall, Studio Six

‘Hard as Diamonds’

A piece about glitter, high heels and femme magic.

Running at 5 p.m. Nov.19 and 3 p.m. Nov. 21 at Swain Hall, Studio Six

‘Border Stories’

This piece is an interview-inspired work about the conflicting roles of being homosexual and Latino.

Running at 8 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 20 in Swain Hall, Studio Six

‘Jena Six’

This piece examines the relationship between the education system and black males during the Jena Six incident.

Running at 5 p.m. Nov. 20 and 1 p.m. Nov. 22 in Swain Hall, Studio Six.

TICKETS: Prices vary. Call 929-2787 for “Intimacies” information  or 962-2311 for the other shows.

Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu [11].