Dark Disabled Stories

The play follows no major linear plot, instead following a series of vignettes narrated by Ryan and two performers that explore ableism, intimacy and societal assumptions surrounding disability. Inspired by and featuring playwright Haddad's own experiences as a gay man with cerebral palsy, the work also incorporates real stories from people with disabilities presented in a candid, matter-of-fact style.^[5]

The play also integrates English, American Sign Language, open-captioning and audio description into all its performances. ASL and audio description are performed by the other two cast members.^[6]

Haddad was inspired to write the play when asked by friend Jessica Almasy to write and perform a story before her show, American AF, written in response to the Trump administration in 2017. When writing the show, Haddad consulted heavily with access consultant Alison Kopit to ensure proper terminology and accessibility within the writing and production of the play.^[7]

As of 2020, the production was originally planned to premiere at the Bushwick Starr, which had recently upgraded their accessibility features. When the Bushwick Starr lost the building during the pandemic, the production was then announced as part of The Public Theater's 2022-2023 season, directed by Jordan Fein in a co-production with the Bushwick Starr.^[8]

The production opened Off-Broadway at The Public Theater on March 9, 2023, featuring Haddad, Dickie Hearts (also interpreting in American Sign Language) and Alejandra Ospina (also providing live audio description). The play received universal acclaim, with New York Theater calling it "groundbreaking,"^[9] The New York Times calling it "richly provocative"^[10] and New York Theatre Guide calling praising Haddad's writing's "endearing charisma."^[11] The production was originally set to run through March 23, 2023, but was extended twice, ultimately closing on April 9, 2023.^[12]

The play was nominated for four 2023 Lucille Lortel Awards, including Outstanding Play, and two Drama League Award nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Play.^[13][14] Haddad was also nominated for his writing for the Outer Critics Circle John Gassner Award,^[15] and received the Drama Desk Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award.^[16]