A passionate piece created by neurodivergents, for neurodivergents!
Argos Archives is a splendid play, all the way down to its title. Upon first reading it, one may get the impression that it is equal parts comedic and nostalgic – just about everyone who grew up in Britain has fond memories of sitting on the floor of an Argos while our parents did the Christmas shopping, flipping through the catalogues with the coloured pages and mentally noting the reference numbers of all the fancy watches, skillets, and hair straighteners! (No, wait, that may have just been me.).
But as the story progresses, we learn that this title is multifaceted. Yes, it is a celebration of the haven that is Argos. But the inimitable Argos catalogue is also a brilliant metaphor for how we navigate the world as neurodivergent people. The reference numbers, categorisation, all those represent the facts about the world and our special interests that we hold so dear to us. The items on offer represent our episodic memories; the struggles of existing in a world that refuses to accept and accommodate us, our brains latching onto any and every source of comfort it can perceive, and our hopes that things will be all right one day. And the colours lining the pages? Those represent the best and most unique parts of ourselves, the ways in which we make the world an amazing place. To my fellow neurodivergents, I salute you. The world needs us all!
The three main characters are named Woman, Argos, and Archives. Argos (Eleanor Nawal) and Archives (Jess Gough) are the consciences of almost-30-year-old Woman (Shakira Newton), whose dream is to work at Argos. However, what starts as a much-needed rumination about how difficult it is as autistic people to look for paid employment culminates in Woman realising just how tough many of her life experiences have been. Through Gough’s recall of interesting factoids, and the emotional intensity conveyed so beautifully by Nawal, we receive an authentic, substantial portrayal of neurodivergent pain and passion. Who knew that we’d have the wonderful writer Sabrina Mahfouz putting all our life stories into words?
It is also refreshing just how inclusive the performances of Argos Archives are. For so long, we have been tired of sitting through pieces created by neurotypicals, for neurotypicals, about caricatures of neurodivergent people. Finally, we have a show made for us! All the performances are relaxed – audience members can make noise, stim, fidget, leave the room, do whatever it is they need to in order to keep themselves regulated. Our health and wellbeing come first, always. I enjoyed this play so much, as it was a breath of fresh air to be hit with a wave of amazement and nostalgia. Here’s hoping Argos Archives goes far, and long live Argos!