Impersonal Space

Impersonal Space is a completely new work by South Australian playwright Emily Steel and is produced by Tutti Arts and Company AT (Autistic Theatre).

It is a triumph on numerous levels. Firstly, it exemplifies the powerful healing possibilities that are inherent in the theatre, for all participants, audience and actors. In this case all the actors are those with a particular autism – and they are all marvelous.

Speaking briefly to producer Jane Gronow after the show it was great to hear how all the actors had benefited by this experience; they were focused, articulate, expressive, and told the story with excellent commitment and clarity.

This is a story about a young girl, Nameless and her parents as they all come to terms with her autism, at home and at her school. It is a difficult ‘rites of passage’ journey for all, but the young girl has strength to her innocence and naiveté – plus she has two powerful imaginary friends, Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, who may or may not also be autistic.

The scenes at home are the most memorable, particularly between Namelessand her Dad and Mum. Whilst thoroughly enjoying the performances in this production, I also was acutely aware of the excellence of Emily Steel’s writing and wondered what this material would be like in professional actors’ hands. It would be different, of course, but just as powerful – the writing is that good.

Above all, this is a new Australian play about HOPE, which subsequently makes it a little different from other new Australian works that focus on the negative.

The final scenes in particular are extremely moving, as the Mum,who has resisted the notion that her daughter is autistic finally has a healing conversation with her. It is a journey of acceptance for both of them. This healing process is then extended into the school that Namelessattends, and in which she has been bullied. Whilst this healing process may be a little romantic and idealized, nonetheless, it is completely in line with the work as a whole and offers hope to one and all in this particular life challenge.

Congratulations and admiration for Tutti Arts producer, Pat Rix and director, Julian Jaensch and his team, for producing such a wonderful work of theatre. Tutti Arts is dedicated to ‘give people living with disabilities the opportunity to access professional training and develop their artistic talent’ - they are completely successful and deserve the highest praise and support.

This is the second Tutti Arts production I have seen, the first being Beastly for the 2016 Oz-Asia Festival. In both cases, in Beastly and Impersonal Space I came away enlightened, humbled and invigorated at being given a special opportunity to view aspects of modern life through particular eyes, through people living with disabilities and autism.

As both these wonderful works exemplify it is an experience well worth taking - in the name of humanity and powerful cathartic theatre for all.

Highly recommended.

Tony Knight