Philadelphia author, activist and director Kati “Jazzy” Gray-Sadler will debut her new play, “Shrink Rap,” on April 25.
Inspired by the growing rate of HIV/AIDS infections among minorities, Gray-Sadler addresses relationship indiscretions and potential effects of the disease in daily life.
“There doesn’t seem to be a lot of attention that the media gives to it,” she said. “It continues to increase and that worries me, particularly as it relates to minorities and women.”
The out lesbian has also written books close to the subject matter of “Shrink Wrap,” including the self-help book “Introducing ROE: Rules of Engagement,” the novels “Victimhood: A Survivor Story” and “Twisted Sister” and short-story collection “Love Has No Gender.”
Even with her strong literary background, Gray-Sadler said she needed some help when conceptualizing “Shrink Wrap.”
“I did a considerable amount of research on it through the assistance of my partner, who is a scientist and doctor in the field for the [Centers for Disease Control],” she said.
Gray-Sadler was relatively tight-lipped about the play’s plot, saying she didn’t want to give too much away.
“I want people to come out and see the work. It’s pretty mysterious and it had a huge mesmerizing impact on the audience. My work has focused on victimization — particularly victimized individuals from the LGBT community via hate crimes, discrimination and health issues. This particular project focuses on healthy relationships as well as HIV/AIDS and its effect on daily lives. The focus is on five characters. They represent the gamut, from heterosexual to homosexual to I-just-don’t-know-what-the-hell-I-am-today. Each and every last one of the characters in the play will leave you deep in thought, resonating about experiences you may have had. I don’t think anyone is going to walk away from this production without feeling renewed and empowered.”
For the premiere of the play, Gray-Sadler has arranged a networking reception before the performance, and invited the University of Pennsylvania’s HIV Prevention Division and The Mazzoni Center to host information tables and provide entertainment during intermission.
“Initially, my thinking was to reach out to the academic and the scientific community that does research in the area and to bridge the gap between their research and their platform with performing arts,” the author said. “I choose to use performing arts as my platform and my stage to reach the people that are potentially most affected by incorporating social awareness into the performing arts. Let’s give performing arts a broader stroke of a purpose — as opposed to something that is formulated just to purely entertain — but subliminally educate and create awareness about some really tough subjects.”
Gray-Sadler added that while the premiere of “Shrink Wrap” is only scheduled for one night, she plans to stage more performances in the near future.
“We will travel the Delaware Valley with one-night, limited performances, hitting the major hubs and focusing on gay pride initiatives,” she said.
“Shrink Wrap” premieres at 6 p.m. April 25 at International House’s Ibrahim Theatre, 3701 Chestnut St. The networking reception begins at 5 p.m. Advance tickets are available at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.
Larry Nichols can be reached at [email protected].