A Roomfull of Love

Reflections on a day at the Kennedy Center's VSA PDP

On Monday, I had the privilege and incredible fortune of being in one of the most amazing rooms I've ever been a part of. It was the room hosting the first day of the Kennedy Center's VSA Office's Playwrights' Discovery Program (PDP).

This year, five young disabled playwrights from across the country were selected to participate in the PDP. After working on their plays for months, the playwrights came to DC for the in-person part of the program. And, as one of the two dramaturgs supporting these young playwrights, I was also invited to attend.

Artistically, this first day was a beautiful experience. Each young playwright got to listen to their play read by professional actors. And, after every reading, they also got to see a theatrical design presentations for their play. Every playwright got to see their work treated as if it were to be produced at the Kennedy Center itself.

The plays themselves, while still in progress, were fantastic. They all explored themes, stories, and images ranging from grief and acceptance to a young coquí finding its voice; from a painting of Mictecacihuatl, the Aztec goddess of the underworld, to a friendship imperiled by pineapple on pizza.

This unforgettable day was only made possible thank to the love, care, and labor from the VSA team. They ensured the room was as accessible, supportive, and inclusive as possible. They sent all the information in advance and personalized for our individual needs. They proactively met access needs and were prepared to meet more. They built in flexibility and adaptability during the day. They set the stage that created an environment where we all could take care of ourselves and one another. A space where no one needed to mask or hide their disabilities.

Thanks to that work, we formed a community for that one fleeting day we shared together. A day where we made space, adapted, and listened to each other. Took care of each other. When the accessible public transit in DC was delayed, we adapted. When someone needed a pain killer, we were prepared. We took regular breaks and pauses when needed. We felt free to do what they needed to do to take care of ourselves and each other. And we had a successful, productive, creatively fulfilling day while doing so.

This is the way we can move forward and resist in these perilous and unpredictable times. By making spaces where we can come together as we are, take care of one another, and create.

One roomfull of love and care at a time.