Dark Disabled Stories

Role: Lighting Designer and Creative Producer

Dark Disabled Stories is an autobiographical play by Ryan J. Haddad that probes implicit ableism and the assumptions we make about people we’ll never really know. In a series of audacious and unforgiving vignettes about the strangers Ryan encounters while navigating a city (and a world) not built for his walker and cerebral palsy, Ryan shares his story with a frank humor that disarms and delights. Dark Disabled Stories was co-presented by The Public Theater and The Bushwick Starr in 2023.

Working on this production was a life changing experience and an education in the value of accessibility. From the start, the creative team struck out to build a radically accessible experience. We wove principles of accessibility into the design process, rather than applying them after the fact. As the lighting designer, I incorporated systems to cue deaf performers visually as opposed to aurally. We chose accessible fonts for maximum legibility, and left a low level of light in the room for folks who needed to experience the piece through relaxed performance. We worked with a team of ASL interpreters and deaf artists to ensure that the experience for hard of hearing audience members was artistically resonant with that of hearing audiences. As demonstrated by the accolades received by this production, we proved to the theater industry that accessibility is vital and artistically compelling.

Credits:

Writer: Ryan J. Haddad; Director: Jordan Fein; Director of American Sign Language: Andrew Morrill; Performers: Ryan J. Haddad, Dickie Hearts, Alejandra Ospina; PSM: Melanie Lisby; ASM: Peter Royston; Designers: Oona Curley, dots, Kameron Neal, Kathy Ruvuna; Access Dramaturg: Alison Kopit.