Sam Affoumado talks about his new play THE PANIC DEFENSE that brings Four Stories of anti-LGBTQ+ violence to the Stage at 30th Street Theater, NY

It examines the consequences of bias within the American legal system through the stories of four LGBTQ+ individuals. Inspired by documentary theater works such as The Laramie Project and The Exonerated, the play investigates how fear, prejudice, and the pursuit of justice collide. It exposes how prejudice is weaponized in courtrooms when LGBTQ+ lives are devalued.

Through the stories of four individuals whose lives are cut short through violence, this urgent and unflinching play challenges a legal loophole that turns fear into an excuse and justice into a myth. When panic is the defense, justice is on trial.

The Panic Defense will be staged for twelve performances from November 6–22, 2026, at 30th Street Theater, 259 West 30th Street in Manhattan. Opening night is Friday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m.