A study of the early years of the AIDS epidemic and the theatre's response. This course will focus on the seminal AIDS plays and films of the 1980s and 90s, with emphasis on the artists who revealed the impact of AIDS on the gay community, and the social-political reaction to both. Parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic will also be made. Guest speakers may be invited to address scientific and social aspects of HIV/AIDS, as they relate to the topics addressed in the plays and films.