That Boy : Adelaide Fringe Festival 2021

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https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/that-boy-af2021

Date Reviewed: 16/02/2021

What do you do when your child does not fit the label, ‘normal’? That Boy is one mother’s story of her eight year old from birth to a hospital visit for a broken arm after a difficult incident at her work.

The performance is set in Tom’s bedroom complete with palm trees, scattered lego, toys, books, clothes and anything else an eight year old ‘problem child’ might throw around in a fit of rage.

With a concept by Martha Lott, developed with Lyn Pike and dramaturge Anne Bookman, adapted for stage by Martha Lott, Yasmin Gurreeboo and Nescha Jelk with Meg Wilson, Sascha Budimski, Nicholas Ely, Francois Piron and the Holden Street Team, That Boy is a seventy minute monologue by Martha Lott as the mother that is engrossing, funny, dramatic, heart rending and a bravura performance that you can’t look away from and can’t help but listen to.

As she cleans up Tom’s room while he is in hospital, the silence in the house gives her time to reflect and tell her story highlighting the plight of many parents; “What do you do with a child that isn’t bad enough?” particularly when support is not available until the child’s behaviour is more extreme.

She is in search of Tom’s monkey, his saviour, or as she says, “The little boy Tom could be”. As the search continues, different toys bring back memories, some good, but mostly episodes that cause them both emotional and often physical pain.

Lott inhabits the character of Tom’s mum. You very quickly forget you are listening to an actor and become her friend, confidante and in some way, Father Confessor.

Eventually the room is tidied, monkey is found and after a harrowing story about Tom and an emotional breakdown, Lott rallies and stoically endeavours to see the positives in Tom’s progress and leaves to deliver his backpack.

That Boy is an important piece of theatre and a statement about we, society, treat people who are ‘different’ and is essential viewing for any parent, educator and anyone who works with children.

Bravo Holden Street Theatres and Martha Lott!

written by Barry Hill