I wanted to reinforce the observation that this play is about more than just gay issues and HIV/AIDS. ABSOLUTELY. It was hard for me to see past that when I first read it, but the play is about commitment. That’s why the Delivery Boy shows up and what he and Blake are trying to get through to Kevin. TDB says, “I am what happens when people don’t care.” Blake says, “Say it doesn’t matter because it doesn’t matter.” Max also says, “I should have said it doesn’t matter…” He goes on from there, and I sympathize with him. But yeah – Kevin needs to push through his fear. As you pointed out previously – that’s a difficult thing to do, especially in Kevin’s situation.

I see what your friend David was saying about Kevin and the other men, owning actions, etc. But I’m glad you both saw beyond the actions of the first scene. There are still more actions taken, which produce tough consequences.

I’m sorry I missed you last night, but read on Twitter you were coming again, thank you! So interesting to read David’s thoughts and more of your’s. One of my biggest concerns about Kevin, and I talked with Bryan Fonseca about this at length, was that he is so strong and doesn’t get it for so long, that I didn’t want people to be annoyed Blake came back to him. The trick is for Kevin to “not get it” but for the audience to still want him to get it the whole time. Otherwise he’s just a jerk who doesn’t deserve Blake. I’m glad, at least with David, it seemed to work. It’s a precarious balance.

Thanks again for coming, and for sharing your thoughts. And for being one Octopus’ biggest cheerleaders.

Enjoy your weekend!