As Is

A play from the early days of the AIDS epidemic, looking at the disease through the eyes of two men, one infected with the disease, the other a former lover who is taking care of him. The play suffers by introduction of a hospice nurse who gives long speeches at the beginning and the end that could have been lopped off without the play losing a thing; in fact, this role adds a touch of the maudlin. Otherwise, a sharp, biting commentary on the attitudes of society toward individuals inflicted with a dreadful illness.

Hoffman's writing often borders on poetry in this flowing and emotional play about the AIDS crisis.