Okay, I have to tell you about this show because… wow. “Love, Valor, Compassion” at DezArt Performs is one of those productions that just stays with you. Like, you don’t just watch it—you feel it the whole way through.

So the story follows this group of friends over a few summer weekends at a country house, and on the surface it’s about relationships, love, betrayal, all that messy human stuff. But hanging over everything is the AIDS crisis, and you really feel that weight without the show ever hitting you over the head with it. It’s more like this quiet, constant presence that changes how you see every moment.

What really got me is how real these characters feel. They’re not polished or perfect—they’re complicated, sometimes frustrating, sometimes hilarious, and completely human. And the way the show is structured, with characters talking directly to the audience, it almost feels like you’re being let in on memories… like you’re part of the group.

And the cast? Seriously incredible. Every single person brings something unique, and there are moments—especially in Act Three—that are just next-level emotional. There’s one scene in particular that honestly gave me chills.

Also, just a heads up—it’s not a shy show. There’s nudity, strong language, and some pretty intense scenes. But none of it feels unnecessary. It all serves the story, and honestly, it makes everything hit harder.

The direction and staging are super minimal, but somehow it all works. You completely believe you’re in all these different places with barely any set. It’s one of those “less is more” situations done really, really well.Bottom line? It’s powerful, it’s uncomfortable at times, it’s beautiful—and yeah, I’d absolutely tell you to go see it if you can.