My Beautiful Brain – theSpace @ Surgeons Hall
“Believe in yourself, Hannah.” This is the show’s mantra and over fifty energetic minutes Hannah Rose Curtis exemplifies exactly what an autobiographical play should be, giving us unhinged access into her world. The examination of invisible disabilities in theatre is usually led by personal experience. This might sound obvious, but the performer’s challenge is striking a careful balance of what to share. Too much information and we’re in the territory of hubris. Too little and modesty guards exposure. In the case of Brain, or should we say Brian, the difficulties of living and achieving with dyslexia are revealed in layers of undeniable quality, fragility and vulnerability.
Curtis lays out her insecurities on a highly effective and simply designed set, taking us through a potted his...