‘CripTales’ Recap

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Over the course of our long and illustrious time on this planet, mankind has indeed achieved wonders untold in just about every way imaginable. But while it is easy to talk about how we’ve conquered diseases and reached the stars and even figured out how to put the compendium of human knowledge in the hands of people around the globe with a simple electronic device, we don’t talk enough about our societal accomplishments and there is good reason for that. Simply because, despite being able to organize our world around massive and efficient cities and push for others to enjoy freedom and prosperity, we still have a long way to go in finding some measure of true equality for all the people of the world.

Because we still judge people based upon their appearance, and the color of their skin and their sexual orientation or gender identity and we are only now beginning to properly have discussions about how that needs to end since we are all one. But while those discussions are important to have to carve a path forward for a better tomorrow, there are still others who are marginalized out there that need to be included in these conversations consistently; such as people with disabilities. Because these fine people often find themselves under scrutiny for not quite fitting in with the norm that society has laid out and that’s unfortunate. Since they too deserve respect and equality, and that’s why last night’s broadcast of a series entitled CripTales is so important and poignant during this time of social unrest.

For this collection of monologues, written and directed and performed by people with disabilities chronicles the experiences that the disability community have dealt with over the past sixty years and these stories were quite frankly, eye opening and shocking. Because these vignettes did an incredible job of chronicling the powerful prejudice and judgment that people with disabilities face on a regular basis because everything that is presented here is raw and honest and that leaves the viewer uncomfortable for all the right reasons. For some of these stories really do put the ugliness and cruelty we sometimes exhibit, in the spotlight, and it definitely gives the viewer pause since these unfortunate stories help to remind us of how much further we need to go as society.

But while it is supremely important to reflect upon how we can be better as a society in regard to how we treat others, this show truly shined when it took the time to remove the overall stigma surrounding people with disabilities. For these vignettes really did a phenomenal job of showing the audience that people with disabilities aren’t different or the butt of a joke or anything in that manner. They’re human beings, and hearing about the hopes and dreams and desires of the people featured in these stories, hammered that point home by drawing us into some powerful experiences. The kind that were instantly relatable and that made this show quite moving at times. In fact, ‘Thunderbox’, outright brought this reviewer to tears with the story it told and at this point, you’ve probably noticed that our mention of that specific vignette, is the only real reference to any details from this incredible special and there is good reason for that.

Because simply rehashing the moments present here would do this series of stories a grave injustice. For the emotion and gravity and wonder present within each of them makes for a unique viewing experience. One that truly allows for the viewer to learn about an aspect of life that they likely know little to nothing about and BBC America deserves praise for bringing this to the airwaves. Because truly, the only way we can ever understand one another, is by taking the time to hear the stories and struggles and the celebrations of our brethren and this show accomplishes that to a tee. And if by chance you missed the original broadcast of this brilliant collection of powerful stories, swing by BBC America’s website and give this a well-deserved look.  

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