Reassembled, Slightly Askew, theatre review: Journey to the abyss and back

When playwright Shannon Yee went down with a cold in December 2008, she thought nothing of it. But as she became increasingly lethargic and started to hallucinate and slur her speech, her partner Graínne grew concerned. A trip to hospital revealed that she had an unusual brain infection and was at significant risk of dying. Complex surgery was needed, and her convalescence was protracted.

This hour-long audio piece takes us inside her head during that journey from normality to the extremes of trauma and back again. Each audience member lies on a bed, blindfolded and wearing headphones. At first we’re inundated with the humdrum details of her life — the need to pick up shopping, do the laundry and sort out insurance for a forthcoming holiday.

Then, as the extent of her illness reveals itself, we’re submerged in the strangeness of her newly jumbled perceptions. Voices swirl around us. Familiar sounds jump in and out of focus. Reassurance comes from carers, but we’re acutely conscious of her frustrations and the world about her pulsing with disturbing energies.

The result is a disorientating experience, meticulously assembled by Yee, director Anna Newell and a team including sound designer Paul Stapleton. Together they have crafted a richly textured three-dimensional soundscape that affords us a profound and moving sense of what it might be like to have a brain injury — and recover from one.

Until May 28, Battersea Arts Centre (020 7223 2223, bac.org.uk)

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