Functions

A show about the autism spectrum is a challenging and important topic to handle for both the performer and the audience. In the midst of the production, I found the piece to be more of a spoken-word performance rather than a plot-driven storyline. During the performance, Anton Spivack's personal journey was fairly important to how gracious the character of a failed playwright was, while also teaching us a lesson to be learned. I appreciated the constant story that was spoken with a clear narrative as to who is the bad guy. I found it to be a spectacle about life with autism and the negative reception that a person must go through and how a person deals with day-to-day life in the normal sense of their own world. Director Marjorie Lipari gave this piece a breath of life and brought the vision of the writer, Spivack, to life. In the most fantastic, broad, and blazing way, with moments in the production that were sex-fueled and on the rage end of the emotional spectrum. Dealing with the wonderful imagination of how a guy on the spectrum deals with the constant heat of having a romantic interest, this show taps into the love lives of people who are dealing with autism. Taking a realistic approach, this show does what it needs to do, but not in a surprising sense.

I could theoretically predict the plot of this show, and if you want an easy-going production with a "not safe for work" storyline, this is the show for you. The show doesn't lack anything, it just doesn't shock anyone with a major twist; which is great for this show in particular! I actually liked the way the director played with the acting and the plot, as well as the performance that Spivack gave. “Functions” was an interesting take on autism and was a great addition to the United Solo Festival. I would personally recommend this show to those who are seeking a great production with an interesting take on autism and what it's like to live day-to-day life with it.