Welcome to the first issue of our 8th year of On The Purple Circuit. It has been my honor and pleasure to report on the phenomenon of Gay, Lesbian, Queer, Bi and Trans theatre, and performance to you from across the US and around the world. It seems strange to me that while so many pundits and Gay playwrights who have made it in the mainstream say there is no such thing or that it is past (or is it post) that more is happening than ever before! I am dedicating this issue to Manbites Dog Theater in Durham, North Carolina. I am so proud of these folks in Jesse Helms backyard who produce great works of art and succeed at it! They have just opened their own theatre space after raising funds for 3 years. Bravo to Jeff Storer and Edward Hunt, their Board of Directors, Volunteers and Supporters! To support their work, contribute to Manbites Dog Theater, PO Box 402, Durham, NC 27702, 919- 220-6779. In this issue we have columns by Tom W Kelly, Gerald Semas, and David Dillon whom I would like to thank. First and foremost I would like to thank Dr. Fritz Klein and The California Institute of Contemporary Arts for their generous ongoing financial support. I would also like to thank all of you who responded to my call to subscribe or renew your subscription. Starting this year I will not be able to carry OTPC as I have in the past so your funds are urgently needed!

Author: Bill Kaiser