‘You’re a stupid, stupid son-of-a-bitch and I felt like I didn’t want you to be alone right now.’

 

New York, 2008. The long shadow of the AIDS crisis has begun to slowly recede. 

Benny and Jon meet in the back room of a gay club on the Lower East Side. The next twenty minutes, for better or worse, will change both of their lives. This is where it all starts…

 

Inspired by the true stories of queer men born in the aftermath of the AIDS epidemic, 05:59 asks what it means to be defined by the scars of your forefathers, and how a generation of men taught to fear themselves might start anew. 

 

There’s an untold story of a generation of folk who grew up in the post-Tony Kushner era. One where they no longer have to fear the spiritual inevitability of either dying of AIDS, or dying alone. One where misinformation, fear and prejudice is often, nowadays, more dangerous than the virus itself.

 

‘A beautiful play’ - Arthur Lubow (The New Yorker, The New York Times)

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Running time:​ Approximately 70 minutes

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This production is part of BokFest 2025

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Latecomers may not be admitted.

Under 18s are not permitted into the theatre for this performance. 

No re-admittance once the performance has commenced. 
Refunds and exchanges are not available.