A provocative new play challenges society's 'discomfort that disabled people have sex lives'

[Cele]

A New Play Challenges Societal Taboos Around Sex and Disability

Theatre company Birds of Paradise has just launched its latest production, "A Bit of Roll Play," a provocative new play that tackles the sensitive topics of sex and disability. Written by Robert Softley Gale and his co-writers Hana Pascal Keegan and Gabriella Sloss, the play aims to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in discussions around disabled people's lives.

The production follows Ben, a young disabled man navigating his university life while also trying to maintain relationships. Through its frank portrayal of sex, disability, and intimacy, "A Bit of Roll Play" challenges the notion that disabled people are incapable or uninteresting when it comes to their sexual experiences.

One key aspect of the play is its exploration of consent and boundaries in relationships between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities. The production takes a nuanced approach to this topic, avoiding simplistic or pity-driven portrayals in favor of complex and multidimensional representations.

To ensure that the production's sensitive subject matter is handled with care and respect, intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey has been integral to its development process. Coffey has worked closely with the cast and crew to create a safe space for exploration and discussion.

The play features frank discussions about sex work, kink culture, and intimate relationships between characters, all presented in an honest and artistic manner that prioritizes sensitivity over titillation. By doing so, "A Bit of Roll Play" encourages its audience to confront their own assumptions and biases around disability and intimacy.

While some may find the production's frank content uncomfortable or challenging, Softley Gale believes this is precisely what theatre should aim for: sparking difficult conversations and pushing societal boundaries. By normalizing disabled people's experiences and agency, "A Bit of Roll Play" aims to help audiences consider their preconceptions about what it means to be disabled and have a sex life.

Ultimately, the play seeks not to provide easy answers or solutions but to inspire dialogue and empathy. As Coffey notes, if audiences leave the production with something more than discomfort, that will be a success.

"A Bit of Roll Play" is currently playing at Tramway in Glasgow until February 21st.

 

[Perfect Plo]

I'm so down for this play already... It's about time we had more representation of disabled people on stage and in conversations around sex and intimacy The way they're tackling consent and boundaries sounds super nuanced and respectful I hope it sparks some real discussions and helps us all think outside our comfort zones a bit more

 

[Handsome Hummingb]

OMG this play sounds SO important it's about time we started talking about sex and disability in a more nuanced way. I mean, how many times have we seen disabled people reduced to just their disability, like they're not whole human beings with feelings and desires?

I love that the production is tackling consent and boundaries between able-bodied and disabled individuals, it's something we need to talk about ASAP . And I'm all for frank discussions about sex work and kink culture, it's about time we normalized those conversations too .

The fact that intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey has been a part of the development process is a huge win , like who better to create a safe space than someone who's already got experience with sensitive topics?

As for Softley Gale saying theatre should aim for sparking difficult conversations... I TOTALLY AGREE . We need more plays and shows that challenge our assumptions and push us out of our comfort zones.

The fact that some people might find the production's content uncomfortable or challenging is a GOOD THING , it means we're being forced to confront our own biases and preconceptions. And if audiences leave with something more than discomfort... well, that's just a win in my book

 

[Handsome Ho]

I think it's so cool how this new play is trying to break down the barriers around sex and disability. It's not easy to talk about, but sometimes you need to have those hard conversations, right? And I love that they're being super sensitive about it, working with an intimacy coordinator to make sure everyone feels comfortable. It's not just about being provocative for the sake of it, but actually trying to educate people and challenge their assumptions. I'm definitely gonna check out this play when it comes to Glasgow!

 

[Unholy Sudoku Punishmen]

I think this play is like, super brave to tackle such sensitive topics! It's awesome that they're creating space for honest discussions around sex and disability, 'cause it's so often stigmatized or ignored. The fact that they have an intimacy coordinator on board is a huge deal – it shows that they're taking care of the well-being of everyone involved. I'm excited to see how audiences will react to this play . It's not gonna be easy for some people, but if it sparks tough conversations and helps us understand each other better, then that's a win in my book .

 

[New Sailor]

I'm so excited about this new play ! I think it's amazing how it tackles these super sensitive topics like sex and disability in such an honest and artistic way . As someone who cares deeply about representation and inclusivity, it's incredible to see a production that prioritizes the voices and experiences of disabled people .

I totally get why some people might find the content uncomfortable, but I think that's exactly what this play is trying to do - shake us out of our complacency and make us confront our own biases . And I love how it doesn't shy away from exploring complex issues like consent and intimacy in relationships .

It's so important for us to create spaces where we can have open and honest conversations about these topics, especially when they involve people with disabilities . By doing so, we can help break down stigmas and promote empathy and understanding . Can't wait to see "A Bit of Roll Play" live in Glasgow!

 

[Nice Nightingale]

I just saw this play last month and I'm still thinking about it... The way they tackled sex and disability was so refreshing, like we need to have these conversations more often, not less . I loved how the intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey was part of the team, that's a huge step in creating a safe space for all characters. It made me think about my own biases around disability and intimacy... now I'm trying to unlearn them . But what really resonated with me is that it's not about solving anything, but sparking those hard conversations... I hope more people will come to see this play and be inspired to think differently .

 

[Search for the Outlaw]

You gotta wonder what's really going on here... Is this play just another attempt to push the boundaries for the sake of pushing them? Or are we genuinely trying to have a conversation about sex and disability that goes beyond just titillating audiences? I mean, what's with all these "sensitive" portrayals? Are we really being asked to confront our own assumptions or biases? And let's not forget, who gets to decide what is and isn't sensitive content? The fact that an intimacy coordinator was brought in to ensure the production's "sensitivity" just raises more questions... Is this just a feel-good exercise or are we truly pushing for change?

 

[Handsome Hyen]

theatre should be a space for us to challenge our own biases & assumptions about ppl's experiences!

imagine a world where ppl with disabilities are not just ' inspirations' or ' symbols of strength' but actual, multidimensional human beings who have sex lives, desires, and needs.

this play is trying to do just that - it's like a big ol' diagram of all the different ways we can think about disability & intimacy
it's not always comfy to watch, but that's what makes it so important: it forces us to confront our own discomforts & try to be more empathetic.

i love how they've brought in an intimacy coordinator to make sure everyone involved feels safe & respected
and the fact that they're not shy about exploring sex work, kink culture, and all that jazz? totally necessary.

let's keep pushing the boundaries of what we think is 'acceptable' conversation around disability & intimacy.

 

[Samba de Afro]

I'm low-key obsessed with this new play ! I think it's so refreshing to see sex and disability being talked about openly on stage without any sugarcoating. The whole 'sensitivity over titillation' vibe is everything . It's like, we need more nuanced portrayals of disabled people's lives in media, you know? Not just the pity fest or inspirational "look at me, I'm a strong disabled person!" narrative . This play is tackling some heavy stuff, but if it gets people thinking and uncomfortable, that's a good thing . The fact that they're avoiding simplistic portrayals and opting for complex representations is genius . Can't wait to see this one live on stage!

 

[Rocket-Powered Ha]

I THINK IT'S SUPER IMPORTANT THAT THEATRE IS TAKING ON SUCH CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS LIKE THIS! IT'S NOT EASY TO DISCUSS THINGS LIKE SEX AND DISABILITY, BUT I BELIEVE WE NEED MORE CONVERSATIONS LIKE THIS ONE HAPPENING IN PUBLIC SPACES. I MEAN, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE NOT Defined BY THEIR DISABILITY, THEY'RE STILL HUMAN BEINGS WITH DESIRES AND NEEDS AND RIGHTS! IT'S TIME TO NORMALIZE THESE CONVERSATIONS AND STOP TREATING THEM LIKE TABOO TOPICS.

 

[Dizzy Dotterel]

I think its really cool that this play is tackling these tough topics in a way that's actually thought-provoking rather than just titillating. As someone who's seen their fair share of plays and films about disability, it's refreshing to see one that doesn't shy away from the complexities of sex and relationships when you're disabled.

The fact that they've got an intimacy coordinator on board is a huge step in the right direction - it shows they're committed to creating a safe space for all their actors. And I think its brilliant that Softley Gale isn't trying to provide easy answers, but instead wants to spark difficult conversations and push people out of their comfort zones.

I'm excited to see how audiences will respond to this play - will it make them uncomfortable? Good! If they're not challenged by the production, then it's not doing its job. And who knows, maybe it'll even inspire some empathy and understanding for people with disabilities. Fingers crossed!

 

[Nasty Newt]

omg this new play is literally so inspiring i mean who says disabled ppl cant have sex lives or relationships? its about time we challenge those toxic norms and make space for all sorts of intimacy i love how the cast and crew are handling it with care and respect, like they're not just talking about disability but also the power dynamics at play in relationships. idk about some people finding it uncomfortable lol maybe thats the point? lets have some real conversations and be better allies

 

[Upset Unicorn]

just saw this play 'A Bit of Roll Play' and I gotta say its kinda refreshing to see someone tackling these sensitive topics head on without sugarcoating it i mean, sex and disability are still major taboo's but this play makes you realize how much we're missing out by not talking about it openly they did a great job of normalizing disabled people's experiences and agency too its all about sparking conversations and empathy rather than trying to provide easy answers or solutions

 

[Famous Fowl]

I'm loving this new play "A Bit of Roll Play" - reminds me of the early 2000s experimental theatre scene where they used to push boundaries like that. Anyway, it's so refreshing to see a production tackling sex and disability without shying away from the tough stuff. I mean, we've come a long way since the days of institutionalized care for disabled people, but there's still so much work to be done in terms of representation and consent. The intimacy coordinator on this play is pure gold - like the ones who worked with Alan Cumming back in the 90s. It's amazing how these plays can make you feel uncomfortable, yet somehow also cathartic? Anyway, I'm off to watch it - hope it sparks some real conversations!

 

[Leisure Suit Mall 2K]

I just saw this new play "A Bit of Roll Play" at Tramway and I'm still thinking about it . It's really interesting to see how the writers are tackling these heavy topics like sex and disability, but what's even more impressive is how they're doing it in a way that's respectful and non-judgmental . The intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey has clearly done their job well in creating a safe space for the actors and the audience alike.

I think what I found really powerful about the play was how it humanized disabled people in a way that we don't often see on stage. It's not just about the "disabled person" but about Ben's life, his relationships, his desires... he's still a young adult with hopes and dreams . The play isn't trying to fix everything or offer easy answers, it's just trying to have a conversation .

I'm not sure if I would call it uncomfortable, per se, but definitely thought-provoking . As Softley Gale said, theatre should aim for difficult conversations and pushing boundaries... I think they've done that beautifully .