My Brother’s a Genius - NYT
My Brother’s a Genius, as part of the National Youth Theatre’s Storyfest.
‘As her brother flew higher in the sky, he became smaller and smaller. She wondered if he knew that was the smallest he ever was to her. She wondered if that was as small as she always was to him’.
Written by Debris Stevenson, as she describes herself; A dyslexic writer, Grime poet, hybrid actor and pro-raver. Some of her credits include Much Ado About Nothing (NYT 2023), Treason In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane 2022), and Poet In Da Corner (UK Tour 2018-2020). You can find more info here: https://www.debrisstevenson.com/
Directed by NYT alumna Josie Daxter (ThePappyShow Associate Artist, Complicite Theatre Company).
This is a story about neurodivergent twins learning to fly. Authentically performed by neurodivergent NYT members, also in association with Stanley Arts.
CAST
Emily Corless: Daisy 3 and Mr Windy McWinderson
Anoushka Deshmukh: Daisy 2 and Mum
Lauren McIntyre: Luke 3 and Educational Psychologist
Elle Stokes: Luke 2, Bully and Educational Assistant
Molly Wasway: Daisy 1 and Ringmaster
Joe Zanzottera: Luke 1 and Father
Before going to see the show, I did not know what to expect other than a special portrayal of something promising, which is normally the case when one is associated with a venue like the National Youth Theatre. Before sharing my thoughts on the show, I want to touch on the admiring amount of inclusivity and accessibility awareness of NYT. It is certainly not a given in every theatre, unfortunately, and it just goes to show the care and attention to detail NYT offers with loyalty to their visitors. The show was done through a lens of disability, and it felt like the entire building honoured that as an overall theatre-goer experience.
The show was done in the round, an avenue which I thought worked very well. The circular nature of the immersive stage created the illusion of going around in circles, feeling trapped or getting things twisted; which is related to our protagonist’s (Daisy) mental narrative. The use of the floor as a chalkboard worked as a demonstration of the character's inner thoughts and illustrations, though I would love to see it even more intentionally used (ex. more vibrant colours of chalk, to showcase a dyslexic character feeling more comfortable recognising words in different colours, and plain, white chalk for someone like the psychologist who tends to see things as black and white).
The musical elements were infused within the storytelling and the influence of rapping and hip-hop styles were evident. Choreographically speaking, I really enjoyed Debris’ movement direction with great precision and attention to character development throughout. I would love to one day see the show within a hip-hop-based ensemble as in my personal suggestion, could work really well. In great Kae Tempest fashion, the use of spoken-word poetry certainly stood out. In the future development of the show, I wonder whether the 4th wall’s existence is something to play more with. After speaking to Debris about it, it sounds like an opportunity for exploration, perhaps even audience interpretation and, if I may, a chance to witness who the genius really is…
The cast gave distinct performances, each one presenting a unique layer of Daisy’s and/or Luke’s characters. The collaboration and hard work of this cast shone through in their ability to multi-role, contribute to the lighting and props, as well as act from the heart. It felt so important to witness a neurodivergent cast tell a neurodivergent story. Emotional, honouring and raw.
I thought the choice of flying as the show’s main focus was a very interesting one. Flying could be associated with isolation, a strive for freedom and an urge to be independent. It is a statement that neurodivergent people are fully capable of taking care of themselves and spreading their wings. That childlike curiosity to see what’s out there, to go on and beyond, is inspiring. Once, however, the wings are cut off by the father, we see a mental transformation, leaving the safety of childhood. When the twins later re-discover their passion for flying, it is even more powerful, maintaining the belief of magic in them.
This performance was the result of about 9 days of rehearsals, 6 actors and a 1-hour draft of a show, which I believe to have shown great promise. Debris’ work is exciting, it’s loud in the most wonderful way possible, and it’s bold. I cannot wait to see what she does next and I sincerely hope the Daisies are happy now…
A story where almost everything may be fictional, but that does not mean it is not true.
