Understanding autism through thought-provoking play
Director Sharren Read hopes audiences will enjoy their journey as they watch Burning Bridges at Inglewood’s TET Cue Theatre.
I personally found it a remarkable journey. It was full of learning for me. However, it was certainly not always an enjoyable experience.
Instead, it pushed the boundaries of what I perceived as normal, made me think about different ways of seeing the world and at times it even had me feeling a little uncomfortable.
In short, it was great, powerful theatre and that is most definitely enjoyable.
The play, written by Amy Shindler, includes a character who has autism. It is important to note that it is not a play about autism.
It has an engaging storyline and fabulous characters. However, as the script races along you also learn a lot about someone living with the particular neuro-diversity of autism.
Before this show was ready for the stage Sharren Read and her team did lots of background research, including consultations with experts and individuals who live with autism.
It certainly seemed to help create a very realistic look at how such a person might see the world.
Jasmine Gallagher, has the role of Sarah, who has autism. Gallagher is simply superb.
Her voice, lack of eye contact, attention to detail, her sensory requirements and need for routine are conveyed brilliantly.
The script has a few unexpected twists and surprises. You would never think that one panicked lie could become so devastating, but also be a milestone worth celebrating in Sarah’s life.
Gallagher makes sure you hear the voice of Sarah at every turn and word. Her performance is wonderful to watch from start to finish.
Briar Tucker and Josh McKee play newly wed couple Kate and Dan.
Kate is Sarah’s older sister and has been responsible for her since their mother died early and their father became an alcoholic.
Tucker very skilfully captures all the nuances of emotions her character faces and there are many.
McKee shows great talent as he walks a minefield while adapting to having his wife’s sister with her “peculiarities” thrust into his life 24/7. The stresses it places on their marriage becomes evident.
There are several memorable scenes when McKee and Gallagher get s...faced and McKee and Tucker are facing a court case. All are marvellously portrayed by this fabulous team of performers.
Regan Tate makes several excellent but very brief appearances in delightful cameo roles as a detective and waiter.
The play ends rather abruptly. Unfortunately on the night I attended the poignant, closing words were drowned out by the final music.
However, maybe the best conclusion we can actually take away from this thought provoking play can be found in two quotes in the programme.
Brain R. King says “Autism is not a disease. Don’t try to cure us. Try to understand us.”
Kim Stagliano says: “Autism is not a tragedy. Ignorance is a tragedy.”
Hopefully the magnificence of this team at Cue Theatre will dispel some of that ignorance and help audiences understand more.
Burning Bridges only plays until April 13 so be in quick to secure tickets.