“Dumb Kids” is nothing short of beautiful, enthralling and

delightfully candid. It’s a supreme balancing act between all

of the conflicting emotions and experiences that come with

being on the cusp of adulthood, and only intensifies these

emotions with a stunning ensemble cast, each character coming

to terms with their sexuality and gender in one way or another.

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Director Sophia Bryant (she/her), Playwright Jacob Parker (he/him) and movement director Emma Van Veen (she/her) are a triumvirate of creative powerhouses. Under their guidance “Dumb Kids” flips effortlessly between scenes of genuinely hilarious levity and heartachingly intense emotion. Sometimes the show dips so far into abstractness (with its amazingly choreographed dance and movement scenes) it becomes surreal, only to unflinchingly thrust its audience back into the realm of the tangible, grounded, and incredibly relatable trials of these ten year 11 students. There isn’t a fault between the cast of actors showcasing their immense talent on this stage, each clearly pouring their hearts into a compelling, multifaceted character. Rachel Steeto (she/they), playing Maria, expertly portrays someone reeling with anxiety after their outing, which makes them question the nature of their identity. This problem complicated by their romantic (and frankly adorable) relationship with the nonbinary Lammeir, played with amazing zeal and humour by Oli McGavock (they/them). Dominique Purdue (she/her) and Connor Reilly (he/him) portray Scarlett and Harry respectively, both lending tenderness and humanity to a deceptively simple relationship. Kate Wilkins (she/her) showcases her incredible comedic talents as Otis, who hit arrested development some time around 13, and plays off the other characters more inclined to levity like the ever-so-slightly neurotic Tanya (Mym Kwa, she/her) and the deadpan Trish (Angharad Wise, they/them) who all come into their own with unique moments to shine. The crown jewel of this ensemble for me is the trio of the openly queer Gabe (Fraser Crane, he/him) the trans-masculine Will (Lou Mcinnes, they/them) and the closeted Harry (Ryan Hodson, he/him), three boys each articulating their homosexuality in ways unique to their drastically distinct circumstances. You would be hard pressed to find another show that addresses the need for agency in expressing your own identity with such emotion, heart, and candour.

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“Dumb Kids” flips effortlessly between scenes of genuinely hilarious levity and heartachingly intense emotion. You would be hard pressed to find another show that addresses the need for agency in expressing your own identity with such emotion, heart, and candour.