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Welcome to the Down Low

Playwright Steven A. Butler, writer and creator of THE TRUTH (Welcome to the Down Low), will premiere his new play during World AIDS Day December 1st, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. at the H Street Playhouse. The music and lyrics are written by Courtney Baker-Oliver and Christopher Burnett. The musical play addresses the myth that married men living on the `down low` is a phenomena that occurs in other families. THE TRUTH (Welcome to the Down Low) is the true story of many black men in our society. Because of the fierce internal conflict these men experience - between what they are and what is expected of them - leads them to inappropriately and dangerously act out their sexuality in promiscuity. The indisputable truth of this fact is evident in the epidemic rise of HIV infection among heterosexual black women who often find themselves unknown partners in the down low equation.

Here are some facts: The District of Columbia has the highest AIDS rate of any American city. The AIDS rate among Black women is three times higher than that of Latino women and eighteen times higher than that of white women. Through careful analysis of this family`s not-so-unique `problem,` another truth emerges. It`s not all the `down low` brother`s fault. Until we create a society that embraces all of the various lifestyles that exist in the diverse world in which we live, `down low` men like Chris and Donnie are being created every day.

Fact- African-Americans make up 13 percent of the population, yet we now account for 41 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States. The statistics you have just read are facts. No estimates. No projections. It`s THE TRUTH. The TRUTH (Welcome to the Down Low) features a phenomenal cast: Tracie Jenkins, David Lamont Wilson, Reginald Hanna, Marlon Anthony Russ, Nikki Dade, LC Harden, Jr. and Juwanna Lindsey. The TRUTH (Welcome to the Down Low) runs December 1st through December 18th.