The Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario, is holding an online silent auction for the AIDS Memorial Quilt featured in its 2023 production of Rent. Bidding opened June 2 and runs through June 14, aligning with Pride Month celebrations.
The quilt spans 14 by 18 feet and displays the names of individuals lost to the AIDS epidemic. All auction proceeds will go to organizations that support people living with HIV/AIDS.
The festival created the quilt for its staging of Jonathan Larson’s rock musical, directed by Thom Allison and led by Andrea Macasaet, Robert Markus, and Kolton Stewart. The production ran until November 5, 2023. During performances, the quilt served as a focal point, memorializing loved ones lost by the festival’s company and staff.
This memorial tradition traces back to the 1980s, when the NAMES Project Foundation began crafting quilts honouring those who died of AIDS-related causes. At that time, social stigma often prevented funeral services, leaving the quilts as vital memorials. Activist Cleve Jones conceived the first quilt in November 1985, and the foundation formally organized in June 1987.
The winning bidder must collect the quilt in person from the Festival Theatre in Stratford by July 31. Bids can be placed through the festival’s website.
