BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY
Festival of Early Queer Voices and AIDS-Era Works
THANK YOU FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY FESTIVAL!
Open Space Arts extends heartfelt thanks to the audiences, artists, playwrights, and community partners who made BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY such a memorable and meaningful experience.
Presented October 23–November 8, 2026, the festival featured BLOOD SPILL, ONE, JERKER, and A QUIET END, bringing renewed attention to important voices and stories from LGBTQ+ history.
With enthusiastic audiences, nearly sold-out performances, and moving conversations, the festival demonstrated the continuing relevance and power of these works.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
We're exploring ways to continue BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY as an ongoing Open Space Arts initiative, rediscovering significant works from LGBTQ+ theater history and introducing new generations to voices and stories that deserve to be remembered.
And we'd love your ideas!
Was there a production that particularly moved you? Is there a play from LGBTQ+ theater history you'd like to see revived? Do you know of a playwright or script that deserves renewed attention?
We welcome your reactions, recommendations, and suggestions.
Email OpenSpaceArts2022@gmail.com with BWAH in the subject line.
Together, we can help ensure that these stories—and the people who created them—are never forgotten.
Event locations
Plays are at 1411 W Wilson, Films at 1517 W Fullerton.
OSA's live theater performances are held at 1411 W Wilson in Uptown. This is just east of Clark, so steps away from the 22 bus and five blocks west of the Wilson Red line stop.
In-person films are at FACETS, 1517 W Fullerton, just west of DePaul, in Lincoln Park.
Streaming films can be viewed from anywhere.
