Dramatic Play 'Tell Me How It Ends' Advocates for HIV Patients and Civic Spirit

Set in 1980s Liverpool, 'Tell Me How It Ends' follows Aster, a compassionate woman who befriends HIV patients amidst the peak of the crisis. The play, written by Tasha Dowd, highlights themes of resilience, activism, and the fragility of life.

Tell Me How It Ends is a dramatic play set at the end of the 1980s, focusing on the life of Aster, a Liverpudlian woman who forms friendships with HIV patients during the peak of the AIDS crisis. Written by Tasha Dowd, the play features Emmy Stonelake as Aster and Luke Sookdeo as Marc, with direction by Gitika Buttoo.

Aster is depicted as a resilient and well-meaning character who often spoils plot twists in books, a quirky trait that evolves into a metaphor for the uncertain and abrupt end of life faced by HIV patients like Marc. The play culminates in a powerful speech by Aster that advocates for public services, LGBTQ+ rights, and civic spirit, portraying a fervent call to maintain vigilance in the face of adversity.

Dowd, a 22-year-old recipient of the 2023 Homotopia writers’ award, blends elements of political passion and dramatic action, reflecting both historical and contemporary perspectives on the AIDS crisis. The performance at Everyman Theatre in Liverpool runs until June 22, 2024.