“Let us give publicity to HIV and not hide it.” Nelson Mandela
Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival are delighted to partner with Contact Theatre for a performance of I Am Because We Are. In a suburb in Stockport, a husband and wife hide their medication from one another. A young woman in Harare, Zimbabwe, refuses to speak to her sister on the phone. A hospital nurse wears five pairs of gloves to treat a patient, no explanation given. If HIV is no longer a death sentence, why are we so scared of it?
I Am Because We Areis based on the testimonies of people living with HIV in Manchester today. Written by playwright and poet Cheryl Martin (Manchester Evening News award-winner, Polari Prize nominee) and produced by Contact Theatre, it looks past urban myths to uncover the hidden stories of daily life with the disease.
More Manchester Listings MORE
Noughts & Crosses
Noughts & Crosses brings Malorie Blackman’s groundbreaking novel to the stage in a powerful and emotionally charged production….
Judi Love: All About The Love
Join comedian, presenter and writer Judi Love as she returns to the stage with her brand-new stand-up show…
Daliso Chaponda: Topical Storm
Join award-winning comedian and writer Daliso Chaponda as he brings his latest stand-up show Topical Storm to The…
UB40 – 2026 UK Tour
UB40 bring their 2026 UK Tour to Manchester’s AO Arena, one of the largest and most celebrated indoor…
Windrush Day 2026
Join the community in Manchester for a vibrant celebration marking Windrush Day 2026, bringing people together to honour…
Beverley Knight – Born To Perform Tour
Beverley Knight takes to the stage at the iconic O2 Apollo Manchester for an explosive night of live…
Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase 2026
Join a spectacular evening celebrating Black creativity, culture and community, as the Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase returns to…
Lenny Henry: Still At Large
Join Sir Lenny Henry at The Lowry for Still At Large, a compelling live show that blends humour,…