Theater
Review
Vestibular Sense
Recent Mixed
Blood Premiere Examines the World of Autism
by Patricia
A. Moore
When a young man with
autism and a perseverant predilection for roller coasters gets caught
up in Fourth of July hi-jinks at a Norse theme park, his autism proves
to be simultaneously an advantage and a bane. This touching, comic
drama illustrates the frustration and élan of people with
autism and the friends, family, and colleagues who surround them.
Written by Ken LaZebnik, Garrison Keillor’s
co-screenstory writer for the “A Prairie Home Companion” movie.
[Summary
from www.mixedblood.com]
Playwright Ken LaZebnik got
his inspiration for his new play “Vestibular Sense“ from
his two family members who live with autism! He used the play to awaken
our minds to this disability, and to give us a greater understanding
of the everyday obstacles that people with autism have to overcome.
These are basically the same obstacles faced by people with other disabilities..
“Vestibular Sense” presents the age-old specter of disability stereotypes:
how the general public tries to box in disabled people, how those without disabilities
think they know best for people with disabilities. But the play does more; it
opens our minds to a different possibility—that each situation involving
someone who is disabled should be looked at openly and each person treated
uniquely!
The Mixed Blood Theater cast, through Mr. LaZebnik’s strong characters,
offer deeply affecting performances. Brian Skellenger was outstanding in his
portrayal of Isaac and his life with autism—truly a Tony Award-winning
effort. His performance touched my heart. I live with a disability myself and
his work opened my mind to the many ways a disability affects people! Through
the eyes of Isaac, I was able to see to how my disability affects a lot of people
that I don’t really pay attention too.
The supporting roles are
quite familiar as types for anyone with a disability. In the roles
of Etta (played by Karen Landry), Seneca (Ansa Akyea), and Risky
(Lada Vishtak), we see the people who are positive influences, trying
to help. Unfortunately, there are the others, like Emin (Barzin Akha-van),
Ekdahl (Raul Ramos), and B.J. (Nate
Krantz), who are simply negative and use their disability to take advantage.
I would have to reiterate that “Vestibular Sense” was
an astounding play with remarkable acting from all cast members!
The play leaves you with a heart-wrenching, mind-awakening, soul-moving
compassion that can lead to a greater understanding of life for anyone
who is disabled. Not to close them in but to be open to life’s
realities for them. I was deeply touched; I felt some tears and
enjoyed a few laughs!
Thank you Ken LaZebnik for writing “Vestibular Sense,” an
astonishing play for those of us who are disabled. Thank you Mixed
Blood for a great array of cast members who were able to show us
the complexities, both stark and subtle. As a person with a disability,
I was moved; seeing the familiar in a new light and the possibilities
in new ways. Once again, INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE! ![]()
