Between the Seams, the AIDS Quilt story

NEWTON — A program commemorating World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, at Sussex County Community College afforded an up close and personal view of the making of the AIDS Quilt. Put on by AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS), “Between the Seams” by Dan Gallagher gives a glimpse into the people who have made sections of the well-known quilt that travels the country honoring the memories of those who’ve died of AIDS. The premise of “Between the Seams” is “what if people could come out of the AIDS Quilt and tell their story?” Gallagher wanted to answer this question when he wrote the play and created eight distinct HIV-positive characters from a variety of backgrounds to show that HIV does not affect any one gender, ethnic group or sexual orientation. With financial support from AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS), the show has been seen by more than 15,000 young people. ARCS is the largest organization solely dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS services, prevention education and outreach to individuals and families in New York/ lower and mid-Hudson Valley region. Gallagher is also willing to share the show with any group that wants to perform the play in its own community, free of charge. For more information on ARCS and the play, visit www.btsonstage.com.