The House of Flightless Birds

by Baylee Shlichtman

Updated 2/23/26

When undiagnosed autistic Manuel tosses a wish to a satellite to make him feel less alone, an injured sparrow crashes from the heavens into his apartment patio. Manuel takes the bird inside to nurse it back to health in secret from his family, but all does not go according to plan. A play about masculinity, family, and care.

Updated 2/23/26

When undiagnosed autistic Manuel tosses a wish to a satellite to make him feel less alone, an injured sparrow crashes from the heavens into his apartment patio. Manuel takes the bird inside to nurse it back to health in secret from his family, but all does not go according to plan. A play about masculinity, family, and care.

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The House of Flightless Birds

Recommended by

  • John Mabey: The House of Flightless Birds by Baylee Shlichtman
    “

    THE HOUSE OF FLIGHTLESS BIRDS by Baylee Shlichtman is such a unique and poetic portrait of a family with all of its complications exposed. There's a beautiful tenderness throughout in sharp contrast to moments of high stakes and urgent decisions. I also loved the intersectionality of the characters, moving beyond limited stereotypes and centering identity in all its complexity.

    THE HOUSE OF FLIGHTLESS BIRDS by Baylee Shlichtman is such a unique and poetic portrait of a family with all of its complications exposed. There's a beautiful tenderness throughout in sharp contrast to moments of high stakes and urgent decisions. I also loved the intersectionality of the characters, moving beyond limited stereotypes and centering identity in all its complexity.

    ”
  • Broadway Play Publishing Inc: The House of Flightless Birds by Baylee Shlichtman
    “

    I read this play from the list of Scripts That Center Characters with Disabilities by BIPOC Writers. It reminded me a lot of Edwin Sánchez's work, a high compliment. It has not been produced, and definitely should be.

    I read this play from the list of Scripts That Center Characters with Disabilities by BIPOC Writers. It reminded me a lot of Edwin Sánchez's work, a high compliment. It has not been produced, and definitely should be.

    ”
  • Karen Fix Curry: The House of Flightless Birds by Baylee Shlichtman
    “

    This moving one act about brothers, family, and heartbreak is a riveting drama worth reading and producing. We are all a little broken, and our brokenness often hurts those we love most.

    This moving one act about brothers, family, and heartbreak is a riveting drama worth reading and producing. We are all a little broken, and our brokenness often hurts those we love most.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

All actors must be Latinx identifying. No actor must be fluent in Spanish, but they should be proficient in pronunciation, especially for MAMÁ and PAPÁ. MANUEL should be played by an autistic actor. AUGUSTÍN ideally should be played by a bisexual actor in good faith, but no actor should be pressured to out themself for the role.
  • MANUEL
    Focal character. Honest, insightful, kind. A sky-gazer who’s more intuitive than given credit. Undiagnosed autistic. Painting is his special interest. Masc-presenting.
    15-16
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • AUGUSTÍN
    Manuel’s older brother. Abrasive, fractured, contradictory. Lives multiple lives, none where he is himself. Bisexual. Out selectively at school and to his brother at home. Masc-presenting.
    17-18
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • MAMÁ
    Manuel’s mother. Defined by her family. Suffocated by her family. Parents indirectly. Femme-presenting.
    Early to mid-40s
    Latino
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • PAPÁ
    Manuel's father. Loves control. Synonomizes control with love. Masc-presenting.
    Mid to late 40s.
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Curtis Theater - Amplify Initiative, 2023
  • Reading, STX Latinx New Play Festival, 2023
  • Reading, OC-Centric New Play Festival, 2022

Awards

  • Short-list, Epiphanies New Works Festival
    Wild Imaginings
    2024
  • Erica Bennett Prize for Drama
    OCPA
    Winner
    2024
  • Lift Every Voice Play Festival
    American Stage Theatre Company
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • STX Latinx New Play Festival
    Finalist
    2023
  • Amplify Inititiative
    Curtis Theater
    Selection
    2022
  • Neurodivergent New Play Initiative
    Spectrum Theatre Ensemble
    Finalist
    2021