PARALYSIS

by Kyle Smith

Full Length: Joy's coping with their break up about as poorly as one can. They locked themself in their room and are trying to get over their depression with bed rest. But when days turn to weeks, reality into nightmares, and they repeatedly wake up to sleep paralysis, Joy must face their depression head-on or lose their grip on the real world forever.

Full Length: Joy's coping with their break up about as poorly as one can. They locked themself in their room and are trying to get over their depression with bed rest. But when days turn to weeks, reality into nightmares, and they repeatedly wake up to sleep paralysis, Joy must face their depression head-on or lose their grip on the real world forever.

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PARALYSIS

Recommended by

  • Roni Ragone: PARALYSIS by Kyle Smith
    “

    I don’t know how else to say this play haunts me in a way that I thank it for. Smith continues to show that they understand the human condition more than most of us ever dream to. The imagery is so daunting in a way that begs to be performed. If you are considering doing this play, DO IT. And then tell me so I can come see it!!!

    I don’t know how else to say this play haunts me in a way that I thank it for. Smith continues to show that they understand the human condition more than most of us ever dream to. The imagery is so daunting in a way that begs to be performed. If you are considering doing this play, DO IT. And then tell me so I can come see it!!!

    ”
  • Bailey Jordan Garcia: PARALYSIS by Kyle Smith
    “

    Beautifully haunting. A deep dive into debilitating depression, that's also filled with horror and humor. Kyle A. Smith creates this incredibly intriguing bond between our two leads that weighs the "want" to help vs the feeling of "needing" to. And the creepiest description of a monster under the bed that I'd love nothing more but to see staged. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.

    Beautifully haunting. A deep dive into debilitating depression, that's also filled with horror and humor. Kyle A. Smith creates this incredibly intriguing bond between our two leads that weighs the "want" to help vs the feeling of "needing" to. And the creepiest description of a monster under the bed that I'd love nothing more but to see staged. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.

    ”
  • Alexander Perez: PARALYSIS by Kyle Smith
    “

    A play that drowns its characters in the infinite depths of chronic depression. Smith's depiction of the loss of time, space, and self when one is in the throes of despair is truly frightening. Especially when it renders those who care for you most completely powerless to help. Finding light in the abyss is a big ask for someone adrift in the darkness.

    A play that drowns its characters in the infinite depths of chronic depression. Smith's depiction of the loss of time, space, and self when one is in the throes of despair is truly frightening. Especially when it renders those who care for you most completely powerless to help. Finding light in the abyss is a big ask for someone adrift in the darkness.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • Joy
    Haunted. Not doing very well.
    30s
    Any
    Agender,
    Non-binary,
    Femme
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • Lilly
    Helping. Joy’s Best Friend.
    30s
    Any
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • The Angler
    Haunting. A sleep paralysis demon.
    Immortal
    Any
    Femme,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Residency, Fresh Binder Productions, 2024
  • Reading, Transformation Theatre, 2023

Production History

  • University, Kansas University, 2025

Awards

  • DGF Foundation Fellowship
    Dramatist’s Guild
    Finalist
    2022