“This story is incomplete” is the first line that Wayne Steven Jackson utters to open his new online play, From Me To Us; a performance that doesn’t just stand up for its hour-long duration, but one that will act as a discussion piece for years to come. 

As a consequence of Section 54A of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, Jackson is currently in the process of single parent surrogacy and as such, this autobiographical performance acts as a poignant letter to his future child and his emotional journey prior to the new law, introduced in 2019.

Predominantly filmed in an empty performance space, accompanied only by a small table with a typewriter on top, a chair and a clothing rail with six shirts hung upon it, the setting is wholly exposing, highlighting his vulnerability and echoing Jackson’s laid-bare monologue on such a sensitive topic. As he directly addresses the camera, you truly feel like he is baring his soul. 

Jackson never really questions the political landscape that, until last year, did not recognise that a single, gay man such as himself would be permitted to apply for parental orders, to have access to surrogacy leave and pay, to obtain appropriate birth certificates, and to authenticate his parenthood. Whilst he knew he wanted children, he just presumed that he would never be able to be a Father; making the performance all the more affecting. 

The letter that he reads from his own parents to him following the law change is a particular highlight. Whilst he recites it collectedly, his emotions can be sensed in a subtle yet powerful way. This emotion is felt from the outset but comes to fruition at this moment.

Through the use of different camera angles, split screens and a few hypothetical scenes put together superbly by Ben Horrigan of Studio 91 Media, Jackson’s dialogue effortlessly weaves through the amendments, acts and appeals by linking them with personal experiences of the said time. He also effectively uses repetition to hammer home certain points. With the blank physical canvas of a white t-shirt and stonewashed jeans, he changes into each shirt one by one defining notable moments within his journey. The whole performance is underscored beautifully by Chris Benstead but never acts as a distraction from the spoken word.

A powerful piece of performance art, which has you routing for the protagonist from the outset. Emotive and beautifully written.

From Me To Us premieres online on Thursday 12 November at 7.15pm here. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell