Under the watch of dozens of press and TV cameras, four Chinese HIV carriers staged a short play Tuesday in Beijing's Guoan Theater in Beijing's western suburbs. Two popular movie stars joined them to act as supporting roles.

Senior Chinese officials, UN representatives and students were among the viewers that packed the 900-seat theater.

The plot of the five-minute play, written and directed by the actors themselves, shows how an HIV positive women knocked down by a car refused help by passers-by for the fear of infecting others. Her honesty caused panics till doctors came.

"It was real touching, and I was deeply moved. I hope more people would watch it," said Gao Qiang, Chinese executive vice minister of health.

The drama troupe, founded by HIV carriers, was from Zizhong county of southwestern China's Sichuan Province. Starting in 2003,the troupe began performing at local bazaars and theaters. This was the first time that they've staged plays in the Chinese capital.

"They are great performing artists, whom I admire for their courage and high sense of responsibility. They deserve respect of the whole society," Pu Cunxi, a well-known name to China's movie fans, said. The famous actor played the part of a doctor in the play.

Together with a distinguished female movie star, Jiang Wenli, Pu read out a poem depicting love stories of an HIV positive couple, named Cao Xueliang and Wang Daiying. Pu and Jiang hugged the couple after performance.

"I wish them joy and luck and hope they would continue fighting against the virus bravely," Jiang said.

More and more, Chinese HIV carriers are publicly raising awareness of the deadly disease. On the occasion of 17th World AIDS Day, which falls Wednesday, Chinese HIV carriers hosted painting shows, produced TV documentaries and published books to tell their stories and draw public attention.

"More people infected with HIV have stepped out and are actively involved in public activities last year. This is for sure an apparent sign," Li Xiang, an HIV carrier said.

The play was broadcast live by one of China's most popular website sohu.com.

"The more we know about HIV/AIDS, the less we feel scared. Let's give our affection to others while caring about ourselves. This will make a better and brighter world," a viewer wrote on the website's bulletin.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2004)