...In the 30 years since his death, Milk has become an icon for
gay rights. Now adding to the iconography of Milk as human
rights activist is a world premiere play commissioned by Diver-
sionary Theatre. Part tribute and part documentary, “Dear Harvey”
is based on interviews with politicians, fellow activists, friends
and nephew Stuart Milk. Playwright Patricia Loughrey also
includes Milk’s own words from speeches, official statements,
personal letters and a column he wrote for the Bay Area Reporter.
Through these various sources emerges a touching, life-affirming and at
times humorous portrait of the activist who affected so many and changed
the course of politics. Milk fought not only for gays and lesbians, but
for minorities, the elderly, unions, public transit, health care, and even
dope smokers and prostitutes. He believed in individual freedoms, the power
of community and the importance of gays to come out of the closet, to be
seen and heard.
Loughrey incorporates many local voices – including politicians Toni
Atkins and Christine Kehoe, and activists from local chapters of Old Lesbians
Organizing for Change and the National Organization for Women – that
provide a sense of what the movement was like in San Diego. In one particularly
funny story, a woman recounts how local NOW members dressed conservatively
and set up tables at local supermarkets with signs that read, “Meet
your local lesbian,” in a bid to demonstrate that gays and lesbians
were neither intimidating nor freakish.
There are coming out stories. Memories of meeting Milk for the first time.
Cleve Jones’ recollections of starting the AIDS Memorial Quilt project.
Thoughts on the riots that followed the sentencing of Dan White –
who received just seven years for the murders of Milk and Mayor George Moscone.
No single member of the ensemble plays Milk; instead, each plays a number
of different “characters,” giving them distinct voices and mannerisms.
Director Dan Kirsch does a fine job of layering the voices, sometimes in
lyrical fashion, other times evoking an angry mob or a throng of fans. One
of the most touching moments in the play comes when we are introduced to
composer Thomas Hodges, who provides the lovely and perfectly fitting piano
music that underscores the play. A 20-year-old student at San Diego State
University, Hodges comes out from behind the piano to take the stage, reading
his own “Dear Harvey” letter of gratitude and inspiration.
The play is not only the story of Milk, but of his legacy, and the changes
that have happened since his assassination that acknowledge his death wasn’t
in vain. It’s an important piece of history, an inspirational story
and engaging theater.
Jennifer Chung Klam , San Diego Arts
