Hits some hard truths, but labours a bit to get there
Whilst we, as a society, have made great strides in the understanding of the neurodivergent experience, there is certainly a lot more to learn. Daniel Toney’s one-man show about growing up – and indeed, living as – an autistic man promises to be a ‘blunt conversation about being autistic’. As the audience files in, Toney is already in the space, sitting alone at a table for two. A nearly empty pint sits in front of him. He continuously checks his phone, moves his pint glass around, and checks over his shoulder. We feel his nervous energy. As he stands to address the audience, he makes it clear that what is to follow is his, and only his, experience with being autistic. It is then that we realise that the title – Mine – means a few things. Not only is Toney acknowledging that what the piece is about to impart on us is only his perspective on the world, but he is also acknowledging his autism as it is – his. And indeed, something that he is proud of.
Toney acts as both writer and performer of the piece, with direction, design, and lighting by Zailyn Cuevas. This dynamic duo have created an hour of theatre that asks some worthwhile questions and hits some hard truths, but labours a bit to get there. The script covers every aspect of life, from school to career to friendships to love. Toney’s experiences feel honest and well-presented – he walks a fine line between vulnerability and humour. But often his experiences are presented without much conclusion. It feels as though he continuously gets close to making a complete point, and chooses instead to back away from it, inserting a pop culture reference instead.
Indeed, the piece seems to hit its stride once Toney starts discussing his university experience – which is about halfway through. While the show is comedic in tone, both Toney’s writing and performance are at their strongest when he is erring on something more serious. I felt sympathetic to Toney’s retellings of the biting shame he felt about having a meltdown at his mother’s birthday party; I felt impassioned by his pleas for neurodivergent people to be part of the conversation regarding neurodiversity. Close to the end, he begins a frustrated rant about a borderline ableist workplace environment – and I felt frustrated and disappointed for him. While Cuevas’ direction has clearly steered the piece in the right direction, and Toney’s work is hard-hitting – but it doesn’t need quite as much padding around it as most of the script provides.