Eleven-year-old Juniper May is different. With artists for parents, she is smart, speaks her mind and loves robots. Her favourite is drawn from a short-lived Japanese animated 1983 television series known as Battletac. A loner, Juni doesn’t fit in with others and doesn’t want to go to school.
In the back garden is an old recycling bin she has named Gomi that contains all sorts of childhood treasures. There is an animal mask, a doll’s head, a small robot made from three mixing bowls and even a fearsome tetradactyl. Classmates in 6C call her a robot and all 15 of them sign a letter that paints her as a total freak and the most hated person in school. In other words, she is bullied.
It makes her sick and she won’t and can’t go back to school for 17 days. She even has a name for those that are nasty to her. She calls them squids (drawn from stupid kids). Her therapist Dr Emma tells her to breathe, but even that can be difficult at times of real stress.
Inspired by writer, director and designer Jolyon James’ experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum, Robot Song is a whimsical narrative musical. Musical director Nathan Gilkes has done a fine job with the compositions, for which he is responsible.
Chock full of awe and wonder, it is a show with family appeal (and some audience interaction) that is creativity on steroids. It provides hope that even in the midst of a crisis, things can turn around. In short, it is all about perspective and, in this case, that comes from Battletac. Employing animatronics and video, and unfolding with humour and heart, Robot Song is silly and funny and playful.
A melodic Adeline Hunter is a force to be reckoned with as Juniper May, fiercely herself, apprehensive and belligerent. Phillip McInnes is well cast as her empathetic father Jase, critically important in Juni’s journey of discovery. Playing guitar, strumming a harp and on the keyboard is Michelle Doyle as her patient mum, Bridge.
With colourful costuming and evocative sound and lighting, there is much to appreciate and savour in this award-winning show, with instant appeal. Originally commissioned and developed by Arena Theatre Company in 2017, Robot Song last played at Theatre Works in 2019.
In 2024, the production toured North America and New Zealand. Now, after a season at Theatre Works until 21st February, it moves to Geelong Arts Centre on 23rd February and to The Round for two shows on 26th February. Following that, Robot Song heads off again on a Canadian and US tour.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Melbourne International Arts Festival (various venues) – theatre reviews
- Pokémon Detective Pikachu – movie review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
