Mission Dispatch

As a group of initially 12 performers, the cast of “Sins Invalid: An Unshamed Claim to Beauty in the Face of Invisibility,” have set out to strip the taboos off disability and sexuality.

Performer Lezlie Frye from Brooklyn is member of Sins Invalid.
Photo: Gordon Sasaki

Referring to this groundbreaking work as “Hot Activism,” the cast and crew of Sins Invalid are presenting an evening of erotic spoken word, stage performance and video film on Nov. 2 & 3 at the Brava Theater.

Sins Invalid is the only show of its kind in the nation. The show’s artistic director Patty Berne is very articulate about the deep meaning and mission of Sins Invalid. “We have this opportunity to set the framework and tell our stories,” she said.

As someone who uses a wheelchair, Berne challenges the exclusion from the able-bodied world. She speaks fearlessly.

She and the other cast members seem unaffected by the potential for being misunderstood by the public or mired in controversy. “This is about empowerment and sexual literacy,” she said. “We are sexual beings,” added Berne.

Berne and the rest of the cast’s determination is not only their deep need to communicate but is also based upon last year’s successful debut of Sins Invalid.

“We got a lot of response and very positive support,” said Leroy Moore who also serves as an artistic director for the show.

“The show emerged out of a discussion Patty and I had about the topic. We have worked together on various projects over the years,” said Moore. The realization of the topic was enormous.

Berne and Moore then sent out the call for artists in the disabled community to submit their work and ideas on sexuality and disability. “We got calls and responses from everywhere,” said Moore.

“The responses were coming in from all over,” he said. “As far away as Italy, Britain and various parts of Europe.” Some came in from Canada, and many from all over the United States. It was awesome,” said Moore.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share my work and passion for positive change by participating in this event,” said Maria Palacios.

Palacios will be traveling to San Francisco from Texas to perform in the show. The show consists of live performances by artists from various areas, as well as video film clips that artists had sent in to Berne and Moore.

“We went through lots of material that was sent to us,” said Moore.

“One of our performers was to arrive from Paris, France, but the plans fell through as we got closer to the show’s opening,” said Moore.

This year the show includes a workshop after the performance. “We added the workshop because last year’s show had so many people asking questions and wanting to know more,” he said.

As painter and poet Palacios understands the power of words and images, often invoking references to the legendary Frida Kahlo. “I perform knowing my words are capable of reaching people,” she said.

The words of my poetry, “they are able to grow wings. Forget the wheels, forget the disability, as an artist being on stage is the ultimate thrill,” said Palacios.

Palacios and the other performers know they are not alone in what they have to say.

Approximately 51.2 million people reported they had a disability; for 32.5 million of them, the disability was severe. Part of the census of 2002 provided this statistic. “Yet, the bureau is continually updating our information each year,” said Robert Bernstein, media rep for the US Census Bureau.

This is why Palacios sees the show as vital, much more than just getting up on stage to perform. As she said, “the experience with Sins Invalid, is more than that because it takes courage to undress taboos.”

Explaining a bit further Palacios said, “it's not just those without disabilities who have nurtured ignorance and fear. Many people with disabilities still struggle with the fight to own their own bodies.”

Noting that often the perception the public has of people with disabilities usually leans toward pity or admiration, Palacios defies that outlook. “The time has come for a new sexual revolution,” she said.

“People with disabilities are beautiful and sensual people, able and capable of giving and receiving physical affection. Sins Invalid is a declaration of sexual independence,” added Palacios.

Berne agreed as she said, “the show not only helps the artists see themselves in a powerful way, this really expands beyond the perceptions and definitions by the media.”

“It's accepting our unconventional beauty, our so called ‘imperfections’ and the sensual energy that pulsates beneath the layers of ignorance we are forced to wear,” said Palacios.

Berne understands that the show is venturing into the unknown and this is powerful. All those involved with the show are pleased with the work. “I think the show really helps all people to examine what’s defined as a norm and see how sometimes such definitions can really be restrictive to everyone,” said Berne.

While the show represents a spectrum of diversity with in the context of material, there is only a little about marriage and disability.

“I am sure the topic of this show would really be a good way to reach those disabled veterans returning home from their tour of duty,” said social worker Mike Judd.

He and his wife Cheri were in town visiting from North Carolina, near the Appalachia Mountains. The concept of the show was intriguing, as they do not get much diverse cultural stimulation back home.

Working with the Veterans Administration for many years, Judd is acquainted with some of the statistics regarding disabled veterans returning home to spouse and families. “There is a tremendous amount of re-adjustment to the relationship. And it can be a hellacious strain that ends the marriage,” said Judd.

“The show does mention the topic of marriage and disability, but we do not have material concerning a soldier returning home from the war, disabled,” said Moore.

Moore speculated that maybe next year, that topic might be mentioned. “This year we went beyond what we had in our first show,” he said.

“I really have fun putting the show together. I know we are breaking new ground,” said Berne.

“After the show, we will discus what will be in next year’s show,” said Moore. Anticipating new directions and venues, “no doubt there will be more on our plate,” he said.

The show contains explicit content. Sins Invalid: An Unshamed Claim to Beauty in the Face of Invisibility, starts at 8 p.m. on Fri. Nov. 2 and Sat. Nov. 3.

Theater Brava is located at 2781 24th Street, San Francisco. Call 415-641-7657 for details. Or visit: http://www.brava.org/.

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