Visual Diary at La MaMa Experimental Theater NYC 2025. Photo: Sabine Lola.
Book tickets
We invite you to join us for a performative lecture that takes an intimate look at the 1980s New York Queer Art Scene with theater and opera director Fabio Cherstich.
In his Visual Diaries, theatre and opera director Fabio Cherstich offers a lecture-performance that honours the lives and memories of young artists from New York’s East Village who died during the AIDS epidemic. Using private archives of photos and recordings unearthed from his deeply researched investigation of the thriving art scene in Manhattan in the 1980s, Cherstich communicates the remarkable existence of artists such as Patrick Angus, Larry Stanton, Darrel Ellis and David Hockney. The performance blends Cherstich’s theatrical experience with his passion for storytelling and visual art, giving voice to a vital, often overlooked moment of artistic history.
In this special presentation, Cherstich will screen never-before-seen home movies by Larry Stanton of Fire Island in the 1970s, featuring artists such as David Hockney, set to a soundtrack.
In his Visual Diaries, theatre and opera director Fabio Cherstich offers a lecture-performance that honours the lives and memories of young artists from New York’s East Village who died during the AIDS epidemic. Using private archives of photos and recordings unearthed from his deeply researched investigation of the thriving art scene in Manhattan in the 1980s, Cherstich communicates the remarkable existence of artists such as Patrick Angus, Larry Stanton, Darrel Ellis and David Hockney. The performance blends Cherstich’s theatrical experience with his passion for storytelling and visual art, giving voice to a vital, often overlooked moment of artistic history.
In this special presentation, Cherstich will screen never-before-seen home movies by Larry Stanton of Fire Island in the 1970s, featuring artists such as David Hockney, set to a soundtrack.
Bio
Fabio Cherstich is a set designer for theatre and opera, his work merges a meticulous attention to image with a passion for contemporary visual languages. He has worked in numerous theatres, including the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, Opera d’Avignon, Opera de Marseille, Théâtre Maillon in Strasbourg, Teatro Argentina in Rome, and iTeatri in Reggio Emilia. His productions have been invited to prestigious international festivals, including the Festival d’Avignon, the Naples Festival, the Premiere Strasbourg Festival, the Stuck Contemporary Art Center Festival in Leuven, and the Venice Theatre Biennale. He is the creator and director of the on-the-road opera project Operacamion, described by The New York Times as “a unique project capable of returning opera to its roots.” As a director of performative events for fashion and design, he has collaborated with Cassina, Gufram, Memphis Milano, Fay, Hermès, Off-WHITE, and Acne Studios. He also works as an editor for international magazines such as Apartamento, Dust, Cap 74024, L’Uomo Vogue, Numéro Art, and Alla Carta. Always interested in contemporary art, particularly the New York underground scene of the ‘80s and ‘90s, he has been the curator of L’estate di Larry Stanton – NYC since 2019.
Written, directed, and performed by Fabio Cherstich. Dramaturgy by Anna Siccardi and Fabio Cherstich. Original videos by Francesco Sileo. Produced by Emilia Romagna Teatro ERT / Teatro Nazionale. Commissioned by FOG Triennale Milano Performing Arts Festival In collaboration with Visual AIDS NYC. Special thanks to La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, NYC. Fabio Cherstich is an artist selected for Prospero NEW, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
Book tickets
06:45 pm
Wed, 01 Apr 2026
Cinema 1
Ticket information
- All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
- For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Access information
Cinema 1
- Both our Cinemas have step free access from The Mall and are accessible by ramp
- We have 1 wheelchair allocated space with a seat for a companion
- All seats are hard back, have a crushed velvet feel and they do not recline
- These are our seat size dimensions: W 42 x D 45 x H 52
- Arm rest either side of the seat dimensions: L 27 x W 7 x H 20
for the following requirements:
- We have unassigned seating. If you require a specific seat, please reserve this in advance
- Free for visitors where ticket prices are a barrier, please email
Members+ and all Patrons gain free entry to all cinema screenings, exhibitions, talks, and more.
Join today as a Member+ for £25/month.
Fabio Cherstich by Luca Del Pia.
no. 236848.