Yes, it should have been everyone’s problem.

Those of us of a certain age remember – all too well – the earliest days of the AIDS epidemic. It was furtive, rampant, secretive, misunderstood, feared, punishing, confusing, deadly. Powers that be tried to ignore it. Some celebrities tried to hide it. Others took action. Playwright/director Kerrykate Abel created a powerful homage to AIDS caregivers and activists from this time called Hoarding Hope, onstage now at the Paul Roberson Theatre.

Her director’s note says the work was extracted from hundreds of hours of interviews and research with caregivers who worked with AIDS patients and their loved ones from 1980 to 1996. Abel brought this all together in an emotional and poignant reflection and one woman’s attempt to dignify her patient’s lives and cope with the impact this had on her life.

Central to the story is Fay, a nurse who moved to New York City and found work as a caregiver to an elderly woman. Of course, mom tried to fix Fay up with son George to no avail. They do become friends who go to dance clubs where Fay meets his partner and their friends and sees – first hand – how this new disease is crawling through their lives. Fay later works with AIDS patients in a hospital and care center where she holds them, comforts them, and gathers their belongs when they pass in an attempt to give their lives honor and dignity. This is the hope that she is desperately hoarding, in bankers boxes and other containers, forming the backbone of David Butler’s set.

Abel also assembled a trio of actors with Marie Costa at the center. She is Fay the nurse and much of the story is her monologue. Matt Reformat is George and El Tyner is his partner. Costa is formidable, strong…or maybe her character is shellshocked by what is happening. There’s a lovely moment when she speaks about her quiet horror when she finds blood on her jacket after hugging a patient and the dignified way her colleague helps her shed it. Costa plays this scene with exquisite finesse; the set of her eyes and the control in her voice are subtle yet powerful. It’s a small and stunning moment. Fay finds her strength in Elizabeth Taylor’s activism and support, hence the large stylized portrait of the violet eyed one as the focal point of the set.  

This is good work in a lovely space that is committed to showcasing local talent. There’s also a warmth here, a feeling that you belong in the audience, seeing this show and you’ll emerge all the better for your time spent engaged here. Perhaps this stems from Artistic Director Verneice Turner’s commitment and enthusiasm for this long-time East Buffalo institution. It was a very good feeling indeed.

If I had one disappointment, it was that the audience was so sparse on a Saturday night. This theatre is comfortable, the parking lot is free and well lit, and there were plenty of helpful and kind volunteers. The local talent on and off stage was solid, well-rehearsed, ready to give their hearts to an audience. The handful of us in the house even had the opportunity to mingle with the cast after the show. Productions and companies like this are part of the package that is Buffalo’s cultural scene. This is the kind of place that needs our support and engagement.

Hoarding Hope runs an hour and 20 minutes with no intermission until November 5. Find details and tickets at https://www.paulrobesontheatre.org/.