H.I.V. A Play on Words

Here In Vain (H.I.V.) written by acclaimed poet, director and author NADIRAsimone has reached such acclaim in it's original home, the theater, that its script has now been published in the form of a book, by the same title. What is so poinant about this book is that the story recounts the life of a young black woman in her mid 20's who is HIV+. She fights a war within herself as well as dealing with the war going on in the world. The play/book is set in the early 2000s and poses the quesiton to all of its readers, Is it possible to fall in love with someone who is HIV+? While the question's relevance is not one of fairytales in todays world with the spread of HIV on the rise, especially in the black community, as a reader, one is able to pose that question to herself.

Not only is the book thought provoking and intriguing, it is so masterfully written that it is hard to believe such a horrifying disease can come in such a poetic package. Along with book sales, there is also soundtrack available which features spoken word pieces from the play. A more beautifully written tragedy has not existed since the time of Romeo and Juliette.

The book can be purchased online at www.seed2treeproductions.com and an upcoming list of venues for performances is yet to come. For future updates, you can find information on their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/seed2treeproductions. And, if you just can't get enough of NADIRAsimone's work, she can be frequently spotted at Open Mic Night at Apache Cafe on Sundays performing her work.

"And this is a modern day love story, a tale of HIV/AIDS, war and change (the lack and need of) with battles being fought on every corner and by every character. It is a story meant to educate and entertain, for all those someway; Here In Vain. This is my tribute to change" -NADIRAsimone

by Lauren Stephenson