Disability, social media fame, sex with the doctor and Big Pharma all come together for the extraordinary story of Telethon Kid.
In a twist to the usual gay-themed play, Telethon Kid includes a patient/doctor relationship storyline, toppled off by that modern-day beast called social media. The main character also has muscular dystrophy, which is the driving force of the narrative.
The play is written by comedian and disabled playwright Alistair Baldwin who makes his theatrical debut aided with script commissioning at the Malthouse Theatre through the Malcolm Robertson Foundation.
The story revolves around Sam, a former Perth Children’s Hospital Telethon poster child. Suffering from a rare degenerative disease he unusually found fame, but his life takes a surreal turn when he reunites with his former paediatric doctor, becoming lovers. Furthermore, the pair are nominated for a research grant from a large pharma company, creating a mix of ethical dilemmas.
Max Brown plays the Doctor Photo: Tamarah Scott
In the lead role of Sam, William Rees who is disabled himself, found parallels in playing the character and the messages it brings to the audience.
“It’s interesting being cast in a role that is so inherently similar to me as a person,” says Rees.
“It feels like the preparation was done years ago. Sam has been disabled since birth, as have I. So much of what is said in the show, including the explored themes and dialogue, are things I’ve either mulled over my entire life or actively spoken about with my peers.”
Max Brown Photo: Tamarah Scott
“I’ve had to sacrifice the potato chips, thanks to Alistair writing in the visible ‘cum gutters’ for my character!” – Max Brown
Given the show’s content and what it represents to Rees, he is somewhat its biggest fan with equally high praise for the writer.
‘I cannot sing its praises enough,” says Rees.
“I’m genuinely at a bit of a loss that I get to do this show, let alone be its lead! I would be proud to have three lines in Telethon Kid, yet here I am pinching myself! The play, to me, is a critique of bureaucracy. It’s a critique of the industries that are fundamentally about supporting people and how often they get it wrong, both minutely and cataclysmically.”
Max Brown and William Rees Photo: Tamarah Scott
The production also includes Ashley Apap, Effie Nkrumah and is directed by Hannah Fallowfield, an alumnus of the Besen Family Artist Program 2020. Playing the role of the former paediatric doctor is Max Brown.
“A multi-faceted work like this has many clashing perspectives from various characters with different life experiences,” says Brown.
“I believe this play will challenge preconceived notions, expectations and internalised biases” – William Rees
“One of the challenges is to make sure you do them justice. That means imbuing the character and story with as much of your own life experience as suits the play, while also learning and taking on the given life experiences of the characters themselves. It’s a balance.”
Having caught COVID at the beginning of production, Brown’s initial rehearsals took place via Zoom to his bed. But a wicked sense of humour and a character written as something of a stud has helped the actor find his centre – or rather his ‘penis pointers!’.
“As an Asian Australian actor, playing a doctor comes naturally,” jokes Brown.
William Rees plays Sam
“I’ve had to sacrifice the potato chips, thanks to Alistair writing in the visible ‘cum gutters’ for my character! Sorry, I believe, ‘Iliac furrows’ is the correct scientific terminology. But seriously, I think this play finally gives voice to a perspective and worldview that’s too often ignored or patronised. One that’s seen from an able/ableist mindset in mainstream media and everyday life. It may also show just how guilty a lot of us have been of it in the past.”
In what can be best described as a sexy ethical nightmare, Telethon Kid definitively raises dialogue about the ethical ambiguities of doctor-patient relationships and the online self-expression of today’s influencers. As the tagline explains, “A rare degenerative disease is just what one needs to live a little”.
William Rees as Sam Photo: Tamarah Scott
“I hope it helps people understand the nuance of disabled human life,” says Rees.
“I believe it will challenge preconceived notions, expectations and internalised biases and I’m very excited for the discourse.”
“The play doesn’t shy away from some thorny and provocative ethical questions,” agrees Brown.
“Questions about how we treat disability as well as the machinery of the medical industry and the relationships people develop inside of those things. Not everyone will agree with all that the characters say in this provocative imaginary world, but I think that’s okay.”
Telethon Kid is playing at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre
For more visit: malthousetheatre.com.au
Max Brown and William Rees with Effie Nkrumah Photo: Tamarah Scott
