"Silence Equals Death" examines AIDS through the visions of a number of writers and artists, including Allen Ginsberg, who declares that "the planet itself has AIDS."

She adapted the title for "What Silence Equals" from a slogan of Act-Up, the AIDS activist group, signifying that silence about acquired immune deficiency syndrome equaled death.

A few of the more politically radical women are imitating Act-Up,, which has disrupted medical meetings and Roman Catholic Masses and which plasters its slogan, "Silence Equals Death," on buildings.

Silence equals death.

Chanting, "Silence equals death," the leaders of the demonstration argued that as much as $4 million earmarked for AIDS work from the $59 million supplemental budget had not been provided.

"Silence Equals Death" and "Positive" will begin concurrent two-week runs at the Public Theater on May 4.

The protestors who carried signs saying "Silence Equals Death" were denouncing discrimination against homosexuals.

They drew messages like "Silence equals death" and "Get your voice heard!"