The Panic Defense

The Panic Defense
30^th Street Theater
November 8, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The Panic Defense

The Panic Defense is a “new documentary-style play about fear bias, and justice.”  It dramatizes the justification attorneys use when defending their clients accused of murdering LGBT+ individuals.  It turns the perpetrator into a victim, allowing them to get off on self-defense.  Playwright/Director Sam Affoumado skillfully blends brutal fact with detailed fiction to create a jarring and powerful piece of theatre. 

The play opens with two prosecutors (played by Careem Joy & Regina Gibson) speaking directly to the audience as if they are in the jury pool, waiting to be interviewed.  The strategy of the panic defense is clearly explained, and the warning is given about its intention.  Next, the audience meets Travis (played by Jud Meyers), a southern gentleman, who adores soaking in his clawfoot bathtub, Benny (played by Juan C. Ortiz), a high school student who struggles with his studies and his sexual identity, Maxine (played by Fola Walker), a trans who dreams of opening her own beauty salon, and Mike (played by Sean Gordon), a truck driver who is recently allowed to spend time with his teen-age son after a nasty divorce.  They tell their stories directly to the audience.  They are four caring, sympathetic individuals, with simple hopes and dreams for their future. 

Jud Meyers & Robert Maisonett
Photo courtesy of The Panic Defense

Travis tells about Romeo (played by Robert Maisonett), a dishwasher who works in his restaurant.  Romeo recently became Travis’ “roommate.”  His macho Latino persona is fueled by his friends who come to Travis’ place for a party, which turns tragic.  Benny starts wearing make-up and shares his longing to be a “professional” secretary, like he sees in the office at the community center.  He is made fun of by the other boys at school, but Tommy (played by Keith R. Beck) violently reacts to Benny’s mannerisms and attitude.  Maxine’s mother warns her not to go out before dark, so she won’t be easily seen.  When she is approached by James (played by Careem Joy) and another catcaller (played by Robert Maisonett), her mother’s fear becomes a dangerous reality.  When Mike goes to the neighborhood dive bar and has a few too many beers with Jeff (played by Keith R. Beck), things get heated and out of hand. 

Robert Maisonett, Fola Walker, & Careem Joy
Photo courtesy of The Panic Defense

The structure of this play is highly effective.  Playwright/Director Sam Affoumado successfully creates a Brechtian style that does not emotionally manipulate the audience, but gives them the opportunity to bring themselves to the events presented and draw their own conclusion.  They are presented with information about the four main characters.  They witness the events that lead to their brutal murders, then listen to attorneys turn the truth into believable lies of self-defense.  The facts are crisp and clear, and the audience thinks for themselves, much like a jury during a trial.  

Sean Gordon & Keith R. Beck
Photo courtesy of The Panic Defense

All the performances are superb.  Each actor dives deeply into the full story of their character, delivering astounding and truthful performances.  Jud Myers has a strong and suave presence as Travis.  Juan C. Ortiz is endearing as Benny.  Fola Walker portrays Maxine as charming and amiable.  Sean Gordon is sympathetic and down to earth as Mike.  Careem Joy, Regina Gibson, Robert Maisonett, and Keith R. Beck play numerous roles.  Each character they create is distinctive, pushing the events to the brink. 

The Panic Defense is playing at 30^th Street Theater (259 West 30^th Street, NYC 10001) through November 22.  It is a potent piece of theatre that must be seen.  You will be thinking and talking about it for days afterwards. 

Domenick Danza