Francisco Aviña was diagnosed with HIV on June 16, 2011.
Aviña, 38, is a professional dancer; presently, he represents Chicago's Hubbard Dance Company but over the past two decades, the Mexican artist has choreographed or danced alongside entertainers like Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, Bette Midler, Elton John and numerous others around the globe.
Three years ago, Aviña and his longtime boyfriend, also a dancer, were performing in Tokyo; their relationship was on the rocks and Aviña believed his lover was cheating. Bursting with rage and pain, Aviña stumbled down an all-too-familiar path for many: He got drunk, met someone in a bar and went home with him.
Two weeks later, after returning to the United States, Aviña contracted spinal meningitis, a side effect of HIV that causes disability, paralysis, amputation and death. He was diagnosed with the virus and spent two months in the hospital. "Life is about personal responsibility," according to Aviña. "Now, I live with raw intention. I believe all people must explore every consequence of a choice, no matter how small."
On Aug. 29-30 and Sept. 5-6, the artist will tell his story, broadcasting lessons such as "objectives fuel actions" and "individual responsibility spurs mindfulness." Aviña is putting on a one-man show, "A.r.T.," incorporating dance, spoken word, video, props and live music.
The sponsoring organization is High Concept Laboratories, which dedicates time and energy to engaging Chicagoans with fine arts and culture as well as provides money and space for artists to create new projects.
"A.r.T". is an acronym for anti-retroviral therapy, a medication many HIV-affected persons use. Each day, Aviña takes the combination drug Complera. The only side effect Aviña experiences is nausea, but this occurs rather intermittenly; overall, the artist's health and physicality are similar to how he was before he contracted the virus.
Quite obviously, however, Aviña's emotions, day-to-day mentality and larger worldview have dramitically changed since he was diagnosed, explaining his deep-seated desire to create "A.r.T." He said, "In order to move forward, I need to forgive myself.
"When I contracted the virus, I acted on my ego and insecurities, ignoring intention. Spending two months in bed with spinal meningitis was a huge metaphor because I made my own bed. I had many weeks to contemplate my intentions and consider my mistakes."
Aviña said he is eager to inspire others to examine their consciousness as well as excited to ( hopefully ) impart a little wisdom. Another take-away Aviña hopes A.r.T.'s attendees will recognize is to not pity those affected by HIV. According to Aviña, "Not only is the performance about accountability and forgiveness, but also about realizing that people with HIV aren't dying anymore and the disease is manageable."
Lastly, Aviña said, "The show is a continued recalibration of regularly assessing my life's intentions. 'A.r.T.' is a personal reminder as well as a performance. The show documents my journey of becoming one with myself and one with God." Aviña concluded by talking about the catchphrase regularly exclaimed by people involved with the show: "Life is the only option." The artist explained, "I can't constantly go into a dark place and berate myself, but [I can] continue to live and explore new opportunities."
"A.r.T." will take place at Mana Contemporary, 2233 S. Throop St.; tickets for A.r.T. are $18 and all four performances ( Aug. 29-30 and Sept. 5-6 ) start at 8 p.m. Visit high-concept-laboratories.ticketleap.com/art-anti-retroviral-therapy/ .