Revisiting the 1993 Kramer-Fauci Debate Through Theater

The contentious 1993 debate between AIDS activist Larry Kramer and Dr. Anthony Fauci, then director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is being revisited in a new theatrical production titled “Kramer/Fauci.” Directed by Daniel Fish, the performance is a verbatim staging of the original C-SPAN broadcast, capturing the heated exchange that occurred during a live call-in program discussing a new AIDS task force initiated by the Clinton administration.

New York Times

The debate between Kramer and Fauci was marked by long-standing tensions surrounding AIDS research and the bureaucratic processes that often delayed urgent responses to the crisis. Kramer, a co-founder of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), was known for his confrontational style and advocacy for faster action in addressing the AIDS epidemic. In contrast, Fauci represented the scientific community's more methodical approach to research and public health.

New York Times

“Kramer/Fauci” is being staged at NYU Skirball through February 21, 2026. The production features actors Thomas Jay Ryan as Kramer and Will Brill as Fauci, who do not impersonate their characters but instead focus on the essence of the dialogue. Daniel Fish emphasizes that the performance is not a biopic but rather an exploration of how the conversation resonates today, given the advancements in understanding AIDS and public health crises.

New York Times

This theatrical interpretation serves as a reflection on the evolution of public health discourse and the ongoing challenges in addressing health crises. By revisiting this pivotal moment, the production invites audiences to consider the complexities of scientific communication and activism, particularly in light of contemporary health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York Times

Daniel Fish noted, “The piece is not meant to be a biopic, or even a character study. It’s looking at a particular moment in time from a different moment in time.” This perspective highlights the intention to engage audiences in a dialogue about the historical context of AIDS activism and the bureaucratic responses to health crises.

New York Times

While the production aims to shed light on the historical debate, some critics may argue that it risks oversimplifying the complexities of the AIDS epidemic and the multifaceted roles of both Kramer and Fauci. The portrayal of their exchange could be seen as an attempt to reconcile differing approaches to public health, which may not fully capture the urgency and frustration felt by activists during that time.

New York Times

• “Tony, if you start that business about, ‘Science isn’t done that way,’ I’m going to come down there and slap your face.” — Larry Kramer, AIDS Activist

New York Times

• “All right, Larry, hang on for a sec. I love you, Larry.” — Anthony Fauci, Director of NIAID

New York Times

In summary, “Kramer/Fauci,” not only revisits a significant moment in AIDS activism but also serves as a lens through which to examine the ongoing dialogue between science and activism in public health.

New York Times