The 1989 piece uses songs and monologues to tell stories of living and dying with HIV. Relatives and those affected recount their experiences of love, despair, grief, solidarity and joie de vivre.

Renowned director Livio Beyeler brings ‘Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens’ to Switzerland for its premiere. The song cycle combines poignant monologues and powerful songs to create a moving reflection. Like the AIDS quilts, the patchwork quilts commemorating the deceased, the monologues and songs serve to tell the stories of a wide variety of fates.

The play is an artistic reflection on the AIDS crisis and at the same time a celebration of life. It conveys a message of solidarity that we all need to spread with vehemence in today's world.

The charity evening to mark the anniversary of AIDS-Hilfe Schweiz is a musical tribute to 40 years of commitment to people and against exclusion. By purchasing a ticket, you are making a small donation to our work. By attending, you are showing solidarity with people here and everywhere who are living with HIV. Thank you very much for your support!

Book and lyrics Bill Russell | Music Janet Hood | Director Livio Beyeler | Vocals tbc | Acting tbc | Band tbc | Costume design Julian Zigerli | Technical director Markus Güdel | Production managers Lara Anderegg, Fiammina Catti | Production Swiss AIDS Federation

The performance of ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS AND RAGING QUEENS is by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals GmbH, on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. German translations: Daniel Witzke (monologues), Robin Kulisch (song lyrics).