Review: A-TYPICAL RAINBOW, Turbine Theatre
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
No one sees this world through the same eyes. No one person is the same. People aren’t wired the same way. So why has society evolved to indoctrinate us into what should be considered as a standard way to behave?
A-Typical Rainbow shows us Boy: a 7-year old child who swims with mermaids and sees the universe in a blazing kaleidoscope. A child who processes the literal, and is sensitive to the world that crowds him. To those around him, he’s in his own world and most consider this to be to his detriment. A father who won’t understand, but a mother who is desperately trying to become fluent in the language of her perfect child. We see him grow; navigating the social chaos of school, puberty and queer discovery, through the millennial generation where the care for neurodiversity was unclear, misleading and isolating, to find his own place amongst the worlds he knows.
A-Typical Rainbow is a sobering and refreshing look into the world of autism. The debut play from actor and disability in the arts consultant, JJ Green, is masterclass in language. Green balances comedy, pathos and brutal reality with a natural grace and virtuosity. His use of imagery and poetic grandeur when vocalising Boy’s world contrasts effortlessly with the abrasive language used for the world that dismisses him. He opens up an accessible universe for everyone, allowing a deep dive into the reality of neurodiversity as a means to educate and understand, but ultimately showcase its complex beauty.
A huge strength of the show lies in its creative collaboration. The direction from Bronagh Lagan is fluid and paced, allowing the show to move well but also provides moments of breath and levity when needed. The movement choreographed by William Spencer is understated and breathtakingly natural and, like all aspects of A-Typical Rainbow, showcases how essential it is to have neurodiverse stories told by neurodiverse people. This level of innate connection and familiarity allows theatre to transcend the veil of suspended disbelief. After all, there’s no better person to show you how to swim with mermaids or run with wolves than someone who’s done it. The lighting design and projection design by Bethany Gupwell and Matt Powell, aids gorgeously in submerging us into Boy’s ever changing and fantastical world. A real highlight is the music composed by Max Alexander-Taylor, another enthralling and magical element highlighting the beauty, but also the harsh reality that autistic people face in society.
Due to the ever raging onslaught the pandemic is having on our theatrical landscape, JJ Green was unable to perform as Boy. Conor Joseph’s embodiment of the leading role is utterly mesmerising to witness. Joseph’s assimilation of the character is effortlessly raw and real. The vulnerability and strength displayed in such a demanding role is inspiring and captivating. He gives us an authentic look into the humour, wonder and heartache of the autistic mind that is emotionally intelligent and balanced. Caroline Deverill gives an impossibly heart-wrenching performance as Mother. Her emotional availability and connection allows us to tangibly feel the unbreakable partnership between Mother and Boy. James Westphal also gives a moving performance as Father, desperately struggling with the ability to put his socially ingrained toxic masculinity aside to help and accept his son. Strong supporting performances come from Joy Tan and Maya Manuel, with special note to Jack Chambers swinging on as Jake/Dan with ease and control.
Here’s the tea. A-Typical Rainbow shows us the future of theatre. It shows us the authenticity and the heights that can be reached when a community of people are in the driving seat of telling their own story. Why? Because there’s no risk of offence, or stereotype or misinterpretation, only undeniable truth. This industry just needs to work together, collaborate and get over its hubris to carve its way to a more accessible future. So if you do anything, book a ticket, see the show, open up your world. Do it. There’s no “maybe” about it because as A-Typical Rainbow teaches us, “maybe” doesn’t exist.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Duncan Burt
A-Typical Rainbow plays at the Turbine Theatre until 7 August, with tickets available here.
