From me to us review.

In 2019, a small change in the UK law would have profound consequences, the impact of which are newly brought to life by Wayne Steven Jackson in his heartfelt and playful performance, 'From Me to Us'.

January 2019. Section 54a of the human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 2008. For the first time, single people could now apply for parental orders, being able to access surrogacy leave, appropriate birth certificates, and, perhaps most significantly, authenticate their parenthood. 'From Me to Us' is a performance letter from a future child from their future father, documenting the experience and impact of a tiny legislature amendment, which would have a profound and altogether not tiny change in their life.

With videography by Ben Horrigan for Studio 91 Media, and music composed by BAFTA and Academy Award winner Chris Benstead, ‘From Me to Us’ is an important project that provides the space for discussions about parenthood, whilst documenting the political change against a backdrop of autobiographical experiences.

Benstead's music design is stunning, uplifting the performance's revolving atmosphere of pain and play and hope with grace. Watching a play from home, even after so many months of lockdown, is a new climate I'm still adjusting to, but Horrigan's videography deftly navigates this new realm, creating a production that works very well crossing the boundary from a public arena to our private homes.

It's an important, heartfelt piece, illuminating a small change with momentous consequences that I wish I had known about sooner.

#FROMMETOUS is suitable for all ages. Admission is pay what you can, available via the New Adelphi Theatre YouTube channel from the 15th to the 21st March  access via here

Becca Hamilton for Canal St Online.

Published: 12-Apr-2021 (6152)