★★★★
An hour in Juliana Heng’s company is something to behold. At once, it is incredibly intimate, yet there is a feeling of unpredictability, they are totally themselves. They cut up the show into various sections, with a cute timer keeping them right.
The first part of the show is conventional stand-up, with a smattering of anecdotes and one-liners that illustrate what it’s like to be autistic, non-binary and Malaysian. Juliana’s delivery can feel a little forced in places, but their personality carries even the most obvious of puns.
The second part of the show is a short spoken-word piece where they talk about their friend and constant companion Autumn, it’s a brilliantly constructed poem that illustrates being autistic in a unique and compelling way.
The final part is where Walking on Spectrum is at its strongest. Described as ‘storytelling’, it is a raw account and testimony to what Juliana has been through, essentially a tale of domestic abuse, homelessness and living in constant fear of a government that at any moment could take away their rights and even imprison them. It was gut-punchingly emotional, to see Heng break down in tears recounting their story. But it is an important story and one that needs to be heard.
Heng has created something totally unique, and they shine like a beacon throughout it all. A must see.
Walking on Spectrum is on at The Strathmore Bar as part of PHB’s Free Fringe till August 27th
