To say the world was different when Ronnie Larsen penned his first play, “Scenes from my Love Life,” is an understatement.
Audiences at the Foundry in Wilton Manors were treated recently to a 30th anniversary revival of the groundbreaking comedy that documented many of Larsen’s own sex-capades as a young gay man in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
At the same time, the AIDS epidemic was still terrorizing the community. Gay men were still contracting the virus in large numbers through unprotected sex, and a positive diagnosis came with few treatment options and little hope.
Throughout this troubling era, Larsen personally and artistically remained sex positive, but never veered from safe sex practices. He followed that first show with other autobiographically-inspired titles, including “Cocksucker: A Love Story,” “All Male Peep Show,” and “Truck Stop Sally’s Sex Party.”
Three decades later, things are different. Drug cocktails and single pill regimens were eventually introduced, making HIV another chronic, manageable condition for many patients.
And now, a new generation of young gay men are coming out and can take advantage of PrEP (pre-exposure phrophylaxis), the proactive prescription of medications to prevent HIV transmission. PrEP isn’t always 100% effective, but for men who sometimes have unprotected sex or are unaware of their partner’s HIV status, it has changed the odds.
On Oct. 30, Larsen will present the world premiere of his new play, “PrEP’d,” at the Foundry in Wilton Manors. The play was commissioned by CAN Community Health, a leading provider of health care, advocacy and education in the LGBTQ community.
“At CAN Community Health, we believe that education and awareness are key to empowering individuals to take control of their health. That's why we're proud to support Ronnie Larsen and his new play, which shines a spotlight on the importance of PrEP in HIV prevention,” explained Dr. Kal Gajraj, senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
Larsen’s play tells the story of Jerry, a character who may seem familiar to many Wilton Manors residents. Jerry loved sex and sought every opportunity for encounters with other men until the AIDS crisis scared him. He avoided infection, but the experience destroyed his outlook on sex and intimacy.
Years later, Jerry struggles as he realizes many of his potential romantic partners are on PrEP and only wish to engage in unprotected sex. They’re not interested in using a condom or dealing with his emotional baggage. He can’t reconcile the ability to fulfill his carnal desires with his deep-seeded fears of getting sick.
Larsen was quick to clarify: “This is not all doom and gloom, it’s a comedy … and this is not just some fictional situation. I know people who have been in Jerry’s position. It’s amazing to me how attitudes have changed so dramatically in such a short time. I know it’s cliché, but ‘it’s complicated’ and that’s where the humor lies.”
Gajraj added, “Ronnie's work aligns with our mission to promote wellness, equity, and compassionate care. Through the arts and community partnerships, we can help spread the word about the critical role PrEP plays in HIV prevention and encourage more people to take charge of their sexual health.”
The world premiere of “PrEP’d” by Ronnie Larsen will be presented Oct. 30 – Nov. 24 at the Foundry, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets start at $37.50 at RonnieLarsen.com.
This content is brought to you in partnership with Ronnie Larsen Presents and Plays Of Wilton (POW!).
