←Recommendations of A Mini Play About The Able-Bodied

Dark, funny, and satiric as hell. You can't name another play that includes noodle arms, FONCs, charity walks, sterilization, The Cheesecake Factory, DNR codes. "Do Not Resuscitate: A Mini Play about the Able-Bodied" is one of a kind thanks to H. Avery's talents.

As a disabled playwright, I adored this little work. I found it hilarious and terrifying at the same time (and not just because the characters had tentacle arms-- spoiler alert!), which reminded me of satirical cartoons like The Simpsons and South Park in some ways. Seeing this on stage would be a hoot, what with all the potential for slap-stick-esque humor, but I think it would also get a very important point across that I think a lot of able-bodied people ignore: that the world at large views us as a burden, and that's incorrect. Great little play!

Yes, there's a message here about society's obsession with normalcy even when said normalcy is a hot mess, but don't pass this one by simply because you may not be in the mood to be on the receiving end of a stern finger-wagging. It's absolutely hilarious to read and, given the potential for sight gags, would be even better to see staged. Damn good stuff!

When we speak of theatre holding up a mirror to reality, it’s this. There’s only one real difference in play. I’m actually still a bit flabbergasted by this piece because it’s just so goddamn brilliant. The central metaphor is not only so simple and succinct, but malleable to any marginalized members of our society considered “atypical.” This is absurdity at its finest and most biting, and I will spoil nothing further, save that the only folks who might have more fun than the actors are the designers.

This absurd play could be a metaphor for many things: physical disability, neurodivergence, or even intersex conditions. While the ridiculous language is laugh-out-loud funny, the truth is that people say and believe these things about individuals in these communities (including, as in this case, the people they should be able to trust, like parents and medical professionals). Ultimately, it's a harrowing look at the ways in which our society normalizes ableism, with particular emphasis on the language and practices we use to "deal with" difference. There's also room for some REALLY fun design choices! An irreverent but important play!