***2021 GOVERNOR GENERAL'S LITERARY AWARD FINALIST, DRAMA CATEGORY***

Crippled is a story about love, death, life and redemption. You will laugh, you will cry and you will walk away with a new perspective about life and what matters.

Paul Power’s play, Crippled, has garnered awards and glowing reviews for his portrayal of his experiences as a person living with a disability. Now in a published form, his story of challenge, loss, and redemption presents universal themes and emotions told through a voice that is not often heard in the mainstream. Though dark and mournful, there is a thread of hope in the way the characters share their lives and memories, underlining both differences and similarities in experience. In highlighting his own personal turmoil, Power evokes empathy and introspection in his audience. From childhood conflicts to overwhelming adult loss and grief, from despair to hope, Crippled presents the commonality of our inner struggles with personal demons, framed against our exterior struggles with the perceptions of others.

Paul David Power's work includes roles in over 30 stage plays across the country as well as directing and producing. His was President of the Liffey Players Drama Society in Calgary AB for three years, Artistic Director for Hubcity Theatre in Moncton NB for five years and Artistic Associate for the Shakespeare by the Sea Festival in St. John's NL for three years. 

Paul identifies as a disabled artist. He owns Power Productions, a professional theatre company dedicated to the development of works and artists with a focus on the disabled, Deaf and MAD Arts domain. He lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Paul Power's profile page

• Long-listed, BMO Winterset Award
• Runner-up, Governor General's Literary Award, Drama Category

"Reading Crippled by Paul David Power was a truly memorable experience. In its description, it says, "You will laugh, you will cry, and you will walk away with a new perspective about life as well as what matters." I indeed laughed, cried and have a new perspective on what we take for granted in life. [...] If you're looking for a book that explores the struggle of having a disability, grief, and the power of telling your story then this may be the book for you!"

Digitally Lit

"The dialogue is frank, poignant, shot through with Shakespearian poetry, and often funny stuff, but playwright Paul David Power (who also played the role of Tony), has lots more up his sleeve. Without introducing spoilers, the stage construct is upended in a haunting, spot-on manner. It’s elegant, and effective. Crippled earns a well-deserved curtain call."

The Telegram