A gay white guy with cerebral palsy living in Harlem… sounds like the beginnings of a damn funny joke, doesn’t it? Well, in a way, it is. But for the most part, it’s the true life situation of stand-up comic / performance artist Greg Walloch; he just happens to have the wonderful storytelling gift, as well as a f**k of an amazing sense of humor, to retain the comedic value of his situation instead of letting it become a lifelong sob story that many would.
Is he overflowing with joy about his disability? Of course not, but he uses it as inspiration for his mesmerizing storytelling performances. Note that he uses it only as inspiration, those expecting to hear anecdote after anecdote on what it’s like about being handicapped in Harlem will find themselves surprised. In fact, most of his stories are about being gay. At least, that’s what I got from the performance footage used in this documentary about the performer. This footage is mixed with hilarious staged scenarios pulled from his performances, as well as interviews with Walloch and his friends and family. But for those of you who love a good handicapped joke, you won’t be let down. My favorite is, during interview footage, Walloch tells about how one evening it took him an uncomfortably long time to get to the stage, he walks with canes, so by the time he gets in front of the microphone he says, “That’s my time everyone. Good night.” Walloch’s eyes light up as he relates how that totally brought the house down. I would’ve loved to have been in that audience.
“F**k the Disabled” is an amazingly entertaining and touching documentary on an incredibly gifted performer. For those who love listening to someone who can captivate a room full of people simply by talking, then not a moment here will go by that you won’t be tickled pink.
