ABOUT THE SHOWS

Full-length Solo (80 minutes)

A Little Bit Not Normal
Aiming For Sainthood
What Does The Sun Sound Like

One-act Solo (20- minutes)

Kicking the Habit
Til Deaf Do Us Part
The Flutter of Hands

“… What is extraordinary is the way that Malinowski takes a bare stage, leads us through her journey and leaves us transformed… The play is funny and warm and her performance is compelling… You can’t see this play without altering the way you look at the world.” KDHX St. Louis

An Exploration of Disability in our Culture

These three hilarious, heartbreaking, heartwarming, totally true tales take three very different perspectives on disability: Being raised in a Deaf family and community (What Does the Sun Sound Like) Being a caregiver (Aiming For Sainthood) and her personal journey with disability through depression and mental illness (A Little Bit Not Normal). These experiences allow a view of a culture and ethnocentrism from a unique perspective.

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Arlene’s solo shows have played to sold-out houses and standing ovations. Her plays have toured across the country and internationally at performing arts centers, colleges, and schools, as well as conferences. She was nominated for an LA Garland Award, LA Theater Ovations Award and named Best Solo Show by Chicago Windy City Times. Her solo work was a Semifinalist for the Blue Ink Playwriting Award from American Blues Theater and a finalist in the Heartland Playwriting Competition.

What The Critics Have Said

“Arlene Malinowski has a wide smile and graceful presence that belies the wicked, self-deprecating wit of her new autobiographical solo show… Malinowski's funny, observant, and deeply compassionate show should resonate for anyone who has reverted to childhood insecurity in the face of an adult crisis.” Kerry Reid. Chicago Reader

“Malinowski’s performance moves from heartwarmingly comic to profoundly moving as she weaves powerful memory with witty observation… A magical journey between the worlds of sound and silence… an extraordinary piece of theater” Ojai Valley News

“Malinowski succeeds beautifully with humor, hurt and tender illumination… a piercing performance… clear, insightful writing.” Backstage West, LA Critic’s Pick of the Week

“She is charismatic and joyful even in the darkest moments of her story. She tells it with grace and humor that is never self-pitying only self-aware.” Alan Bresloff About Town Chicago. Highly Recommended

For further information about booking a Solo Show, contact us here.

“The play can be tailored to theaters, schools colleges, conferences and organizations
Talkback sessions around the themes in the play. Panel discussions for caregivers, support communities, universities, hospitals, and conferences.
• “Telling Your Story” Workshops with community members.
• Masterclasses at Colleges/Universities
• Keynote and empowerment speeches

Theaters- Partial

• Victory Gardens Theater. Chicago, Il
• 16th Street Theater, Berwyn Il
• Chicago Dramatists Theater, Il
• HBO Workspace- LA, CA
• St Louis Center Contemporary Arts
• Las Vegas Cultural Arts Center
• Torrance Arts Center, CA.
• Japanese American Cultural Center- CA

Organizations

• National Organization Mental Illness
• Mental Health America Illinois
• California Theatre Educators Association- CA
• International CODA Conference
• Greater Los Angeles Council of the Deaf (GLAD)
• National Conference on Family & Community Violence
• California Arts Council, CA
• Access Living, Chicago

Schools

• UCLA
• Michigan State University
• Carlton College, MINN
• Oberlin College, OH
• University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse
• Buffalo State University, NY
• Smith College, Mass
• Texas A &M
• Indiana University
• Highland Park High School, Ill
• Sacred Heart Academy, Pasadena-CA