“Daring to dream for your child with autism”
Reviewer: Alisa Maya Ravindran
Performance: 4 June 2016
“There is no dream for Josh” is a line from Falling that gestures towards the multitude of complications in raising and living with a child with autism. The 18-year-old Josh, though cognitively child-like, is a big, grown man with violent tendencies. At times, this proves too much for his mother, who is played by the pint-sized Tan Kheng Hua, to handle. Falling discusses how an autistic person can also be a sexual being even though he/she he behaves like a young child. The play also explores how one can love someone greatly, even if you fear they are a threat to your safety. These paradoxes are complex, but the cast addresses these issues with just the right amount of humour.
Andrew Marko’s portrayal of Josh is uncanny, from the speech patterns, gestures, mannerisms and even his walk. In particular, his interaction with Tan, who is at the receiving end of most of his violent outbursts, poignantly reminds the audience of how far-reaching a mother’s love is, no matter how hard your child pushes you away. The image of Josh pinning his mother against the wall under a hanging calendar that showcases an image of Jesus, is a powerful symbol of the daily tussle with faith that Tan’s character, Tami, struggles with. Together, the pair is outstanding, and no doubt steals the show.
Nana, Josh’s grandmother (Neo Swee Lin), presents a nuanced and believable picture of an outsider’s response and reaction to the idiosyncrasies of a person with autism. Lisa, Josh’s sister (Fiona Lim), convincingly fulfills the archetype of the angry teen sibling, although this interesting dimension could be explored more purposefully.
In the final analysis, Falling offers no solutions to the “problem” of Josh’s future. However, the play does tell of hope, the characters’ determination to make the best of their circumstances, and a desire to find joy in the little things. In these ways, the play is authentic in its depiction of the realities of caring for a child with autism.
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ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
FALLING by Pangdemonium
13 May – 5 June 2016
KC Arts Centre
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Alisa Maya is reading English Literature at the National University of Singapore and also writes for several online and print publications. She enjoys the diversity and dynamism of theatre and hopes to learn and write more about theatre in the coming year.
