Odd Man Out review

Odd Man Out is a brilliant new Australian romantic comedy about a likeable character named Ryan.

The trouble with Ryan is he suffers from a serious mental issue – Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asbergers) – which playwright David Williamson manages to fashion into a warm, humorous and edgy play while not ignoring the more serious aspects of social behaviour and relationships. At its core it cleverly examines one’s own normalcy.

As the scientist Ryan, Daniel Janks gives a potent reading of this complex character, bringing to the fore his many anxieties, awkwardness and fears while still providing a thin veneer of normality. It’s a relative tour de force, anchoring the play with consummate skill.

Playing opposite him is Ashleigh Harvey. I last saw her diverse acting abilities in Avenue Q. Now she has to come to the party (so to speak) with a different set of values. As Alice, who meets Ryan on a bus, she succumbs to his “charms” and slowly begins to understand more clearly his mental state and tries to help her man get through each day.

Alice knows full well the commitment she has made to Ryan’s wellbeing and no matter what the outside world has to say, she is determined to make a difference in his life.

Their union has its ups and downs and there are some wonderfully revealing insights into the clouded mind of an ASD sufferer.

He sees the world through a different lens. He is honest and speaks his mind, shows all his feelings and doesn’t hide anything – even if it means being rude and alienating people.

He doesn’t understand this, and Alice has the task of guiding him. The other characters are not that under – standing, especially Alice’s mot er (Michèle Levin), her father (Russel Savadier) and her snobbish, fashion-conscious friend, Carla (also played by Levin).

As Alice, Harvey was sincere but could have projected her character more strongly, while Levin and Savadier’s cameo roles added to the narrative. Levin’s portrayal of Ryan’s mother was rather stereotypical.

It is an unconventional piece of work which director Megan Willson shapes into a forceful and entertaining emotional journey.

The staging is simple. There is no furniture or other props on the stage other than two screens and cluster of white boxes of varying sizes. This design suited the play which was episodic in its structure.

Denis Hutchinson’s set design and lighting were effective, and the sound added to the atmosphere.

Odd Man Out is a play that exemplifies the fact that theatre can be educational, meaningful and thoroughly entertaining. The play is at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square, Sandton, from October 2 to 21.

Info

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cast: Daniel Janks, Ashleigh Harvey, Michèle Levin, Russel Savadiet

Director: Megan Willson

Classification: PG

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