Tempe artist Benjamin Saar created dozens of drawings curated by Hayden Library, and a play based on his life - "The Yellow Boat" - has been performed all over the world.
Saar died in 1987 from AIDS-related complications. He was 8 years old.
After Saar's death, his father David Saar, Artistic Director for Childsplay Inc., wrote "The Yellow Boat." Now the play has returned to Tempe to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Since its premiere, the play has been performed throughout the United States and Europe and as far away as Taiwan and Australia.
"Benjamin was the kind of person that you meet that you never forget," said Kathy Krzys, curator of the Child Drama Collection at ASU.
Saar contracted the AIDS virus through treatment for congenital hemophilia in the mid-'80s, when little was known about the disease. He was asked to leave his grade school after the school board learned about his illness.
Saar's family recognized his artistic knack when he was 3 years old and encouraged him to keep drawing despite his illness. Hospital workers encouraged it as well because it provided a way for the child to vent the pain he was feeling during therapy and other treatments, Krzys said.
"His favorite [medium] was Magic Marker," said Krzys with a smile. "Some water colors too."
"What I do not like about the hospital," wrote Saar in one of his picture-books, "operations, being bugged, tubes, X-rays, people staring at me, when the playroom is closed. A few things I like: my nurses, Joy [one of his nurses], Wiggles [his cat], mom and dad."
The title of the play comes from a Scandinavian folk tale Saar's mother used to tell him about three boats: one red, one blue and one yellow. At the end of the tale, the blue and red boats come home, while the yellow boat sails up into the sun.
Benjamin always told his parents he was the yellow boat, Krzys said.
The play is based on Saar's interactions with family, friends and doctors after being diagnosed with congenital hemophilia and later contracting the AIDS virus.
Cast members, some of whom knew Benjamin, said at first it was hard not to get choked up while performing. Angelica Frost, a chorus member, said she cried during the first two weeks of rehearsal.
"It's really an emotional show," Frost said.
Wednesday morning, students from Phoenix-area grade schools got the chance to watch the play. Some sat quietly, while others could not hold back tears during the climax of the show. After the performance, they were allowed to ask performers questions about the production.
"The show gives them an opportunity to talk to kids about things we really don't want to talk about," said Robbie Daniels, ASU graduate student and Childsplay Inc. employee.
The play will also celebrate its 10th anniversary with an exhibit featuring 40 pieces of Saar's original art, which will be on display at the Tempe Performing Arts Center. Other works by Saar are on display in Hayden Library as part of the Child Drama Collection.
"The great thing about it is Benjamin is still alive through this play," Krzys said. "It's a celebration of his life."
"The Yellow Boat" runs Saturdays and Sundays through March 2 at the Tempe Performing Arts Center. All tickets are $15.
Reach the reporter at benjamin.honingford@asu.edu.
