A New Play Sparks Conversation on Disabled People's Sex Lives
The latest production from Birds of Paradise, "a bit of roll play", aims to shake off societal discomfort when it comes to the sex lives of people with disabilities. By exploring the complexities of disability and intimacy in an unflinching manner, playwrights Robert Softley Gale, Hana Pascal Keegan, and Gabriella Sloss are pushing boundaries and sparking crucial conversations.
At its core, "a bit of roll play" tells the story of Ben, a young disabled man navigating university life, relationships, and sex. The production tackles the often-taboo topic of disabled people's sex lives with sensitivity and humor, while also challenging societal presumptions and expectations.
One of the most striking aspects of the play is its frank depiction of intimate moments, including a scene in which Ben's parents engage in explicit activity on their kitchen table. The script also includes a sequence showcasing Ben performing solo sex work for an OnlyFans account, as well as conversations about kink culture and sex clubs.
The production's intimacy coordinator, Vanessa Coffey, plays a crucial role in ensuring the play's sensitive approach to these topics. "We need to ascertain what we're asking performers to explore," she explains. "It's essentially about consent and creating a safe space for both the audience and performers."
Director Robert Softley Gale stresses that the production is not trying to ignore or shy away from questions surrounding disabled people's sex lives, but rather to encourage open conversation and challenge societal preconceptions. By making audiences feel uncomfortable in a 'comfortably uncomfortable' way, the play aims to spark meaningful discussions.
The response from disabled audience members has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting that their stories are finally being told. As Softley Gale notes, "A lot of feedback we get is, 'I've never seen my story told before', and that's a really powerful thing."
"Theatre can't give solutions or answers," Softley Gale emphasizes. "But it can ask questions and challenge perceptions." With "a bit of roll play", Birds of Paradise is doing just that – making disabled lives more visible and sparking crucial conversations about sex, intimacy, and disability.
The production runs at Tramway in Glasgow from February 19-21.
The latest production from Birds of Paradise, "a bit of roll play", aims to shake off societal discomfort when it comes to the sex lives of people with disabilities. By exploring the complexities of disability and intimacy in an unflinching manner, playwrights Robert Softley Gale, Hana Pascal Keegan, and Gabriella Sloss are pushing boundaries and sparking crucial conversations.
At its core, "a bit of roll play" tells the story of Ben, a young disabled man navigating university life, relationships, and sex. The production tackles the often-taboo topic of disabled people's sex lives with sensitivity and humor, while also challenging societal presumptions and expectations.
One of the most striking aspects of the play is its frank depiction of intimate moments, including a scene in which Ben's parents engage in explicit activity on their kitchen table. The script also includes a sequence showcasing Ben performing solo sex work for an OnlyFans account, as well as conversations about kink culture and sex clubs.
The production's intimacy coordinator, Vanessa Coffey, plays a crucial role in ensuring the play's sensitive approach to these topics. "We need to ascertain what we're asking performers to explore," she explains. "It's essentially about consent and creating a safe space for both the audience and performers."
Director Robert Softley Gale stresses that the production is not trying to ignore or shy away from questions surrounding disabled people's sex lives, but rather to encourage open conversation and challenge societal preconceptions. By making audiences feel uncomfortable in a 'comfortably uncomfortable' way, the play aims to spark meaningful discussions.
The response from disabled audience members has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting that their stories are finally being told. As Softley Gale notes, "A lot of feedback we get is, 'I've never seen my story told before', and that's a really powerful thing."
"Theatre can't give solutions or answers," Softley Gale emphasizes. "But it can ask questions and challenge perceptions." With "a bit of roll play", Birds of Paradise is doing just that – making disabled lives more visible and sparking crucial conversations about sex, intimacy, and disability.
The production runs at Tramway in Glasgow from February 19-21.
I'm reminded of how society often prioritizes the experiences of able-bodied individuals when it comes to discussions around intimacy and relationships... 
It's time for us to listen to and amplify the voices of people with disabilities, who have been historically silenced or overlooked in these conversations. This new play is a step in the right direction, but let's not stop there - we need to create more spaces for disabled individuals to share their stories and experiences without fear of judgment or marginalization 
The fact that audiences are finally seeing themselves reflected on stage is incredibly powerful... it's about time we challenge our assumptions and biases about what it means to be human 
I mean, who knew Ben's parents were such wild cards? But seriously, I think it's dope that the play is tackling this tough topic and making us all feel uncomfortable in a good way 
. Disabled people deserve to have their sex lives represented and not just be seen as "people with disabilities" – they're human beings too! 
And can we talk about how inclusive OnlyFans came into play? 
I'm low-key curious about Ben's OnlyFans account, but also kinda grossed out 
. All jokes aside, it's amazing that the production is sparking conversations and making disabled lives more visible. Theatre for change, yaaas! 
! It's amazing how it's bringing up some really tough topics, like disability and sex lives, in a way that feels honest and relatable 
. I love how the playwrights are pushing boundaries and sparking conversations – it's not always easy to talk about these things, but someone has to do it 
. Theatre can be such a powerful tool for change, and this play is definitely using its platform to make a difference 
They're not shying away from the tough stuff, like what happens when you're a young disabled adult trying to navigate relationships and sex. It takes a lot of courage to have an open conversation about disability and intimacy, especially when societal expectations can be so messed up.
I'm so inspired by this new play trying to break down the stigmas surrounding disabled people's sex lives! It's amazing that they're having these tough conversations with sensitivity and humor. 
I love how the director emphasizes that theatre can't give all the answers, but just asks questions and challenges our perceptions. That's exactly what we need right now! 
The way they tackle these taboo topics with sensitivity and humor is just genius, you know? It's not easy making the audience feel uncomfortable, but that's what makes this play so powerful.
. I mean, who would've thought that an OnlyFans scene in a theatre production could be so... liberating? It's not just about the sex stuff, though - it's about how disabled people navigate relationships and university life with all the same hopes and fears as anyone else.
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can't wait to see it all come together on stage 
. I love that this play is tackling these topics with sensitivity and humor - it's not about being titillating or exploitative, but about humanizing disabled lives.
. This play seems to be doing just that - let's go see it! 
. Its making me want to have more open conversations about sex and intimacy with my friends and family too