If you have not heard by now, He Asked For It is an award-winning story written by Erik Patterson about the complexities of gay relationships in contemporary society. The play tells the story of several gay men living and dating in Los Angeles. Erik has written an AIDS play with difference. His perspective on the subject is innovative, thought-provoking and utterly unpredictable. But not to worry, there is plenty of comedy along the way and the characters are extremely accessible on a human level.

Young Ted flees Wyoming for Los Angeles, hoping to make a career in show business. No shock. Ted is a shy, over-romantic, inhibited gay virgin, he’s too fearful to follow up on his sexual opportunities. He’s been disowned by his family, except for his loyal sister Sophie, and he is clueless about navigating L.A.’s gay scene. Advised by a guy at the gym, he ventures into an Internet chat room, where he meets handsome karaoke-singing named Henry. They’re soon in love, but Henry is HIV-positive and breaks up with Ted lest he infect him. Desperately love-struck, Ted decides he wants to be infected, like Henry, and deliberately seeks out Rigby, another positive with a taste for barebacking. The play then shifts focus to Rigby, who resents his own affliction and actively seeks to infect others, till guilt catches up with him.

Writer Erik Patterson and director Neil Weiss strike a startling balance between comedy and tragedy as the characters struggle to get beyond the casual thrills of one-night stands and come to terms with the difficult sacrifices of true love. The play takes the audience on a dark ride through a world of Internet chat rooms, Hollywood back rooms and nightclub bathrooms. It exposes the complacency and recklessness that has resulted in a rise in HIV while striking a universal chord in its exploration of the search for love. This play is not only wildly entertaining but provides a deeper and richer understanding of gay relationships in the 21st century. He Asked For It is must see for anyone wishing to expand their base knowledge on an invaluable part of our society.