The Theater Offensive

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The Theater Offensive is a Boston-based theatrical organization dedicated to the production of queer works. It was founded in 1989 by Abe Rybeck and grew out of the United Fruit Company, a gay men's "guerilla theater group". [1]. It has won more than a dozen awards for both its artistic and activist contributions.

The Theater Offensive has expanded throughout its history. The True Colors OUT Youth Theater troupe concentrates on producing dramatical works produced by young, queer artists. Its "A Street Theater Named Desire, a guerilla AIDS activist theater troupe, enters gay cruising grounds and presents performances that promote safe sex and AIDS education." [2]

The Theater Offensive produces an annual Out on the Edge Festival of Queer Theater, which showcases new performing arts works by queer artists from around the world. It is has been held each fall since its inception in 1992.

[edit] Awards and Honors

2007 Jonathan Larson Musical Theatre Award for Surviving the Nian
IN Newsweekly "Artist of the Year" 2006
Improper Bostonian "Best Fringe Theater"
Massachusetts Cultural Council Gold Star
Gay Fathers of Greater Boston Youth Service Award, 2001
MIT Theater Arts Playwright in Residence and Visiting Lecturer 2001-2002
James Dawson Community Service Award, 2000
Elliot Norton Boston Theater Award - Special Citation, 1999
Boston Women's Fund Take a Stand Award, 1999
AIDS Action Committee Unsung Heroes Award, 1999
Greater Boston Business Council Award for Individual Excellence, 1999
City of Cambridge Peace & Justice Award, 1997
City of Cambridge Lavender Alliance Award, 1997
Boston Center for the Arts, Artist in Residence 1993-present
Bessie Smith Creative Leadership Award, Boston Lesbian & Gay Political Alliance, 1989