A play on this theme will be staged at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center on November 30, the night before World AIDS Day.

Box office takings for the premiere will be donated to the Red Cross Society of Shanghai, as a contribution towards the treatment and prevention of AIDS.

The play, adapted from a news feature and a TV news report, tells the story of a journalist's friendship with an AIDS patient.

Xu Qian spent two years searching for an AIDS patient who was willing to tell his story to the public. Eventually he found Xiao Lu, and a dialogue before death started between them.

Xiao Lu told everything, how he was infected, how his girlfriend stayed with him and loved him selflessly.

Greatly moved by the love between the two, Xu decided to help them realize their dream of a wedding, but Xiao Lu died only three days before it could take place.

A cocktail party will be held before the premiere performance, at which the dramatists and actors will communicate with visitors.

7:15pm, November 30

500 yuan (VIP, including admission to the cocktail party starting from 6:00pm), 100 yuan

December 1-5

50-800 yuan (VIP box for four)

Dramatic Arts Center

288 Anfu Lu

Tel: 6433-4546

(Shanghai Star November 25, 2002)