Kayah has an extra chromosome – #21. This means he is super flexible, has what looks like webbing in his feet, and almond shaped eyes. At the age of ten he wanted to die because, ‘Nobody likes me’. But that all changed when he discovered ‘gym and dance’. And, boy, can Kayah dance. His 46 chromosome sister, Maitreiya, can also dance splendidly and we see from home movie footage that the medium of dance has clearly bonded the two since their teenage years onwards.

The consistently reliable House of Oz have put their faith in this highly experimental production that takes place on Summerhall’s Old Lab stage – their equivalent of The Park Stage (big, but home to off beam stuff). Main Hall and Tech Cube are its Pyramid and Other stages.

Over the years the Old Lab has been the home for excellent experimental theatre and Glass Child is a worthy addition to its alumni.

Back to the show, Kayah’s additional chromosome may or may not be a reason for his extraordinary dancing ability, but either way it’s put to good use in this two-hander where the theme is sibling love. Kayah and Maitreiya’s relationship is founded on a deep respect and love for one another,  and Kayah’s need for support is not singular – these siblings’ relationship is synergistic. Their obvious love and respect for each other radiates from the stage as a large handful of dances show off their talent. ‘Red Right Hand’, a Michael Jackson mash up remix, and a simply beautiful piano and violin piece are among the highlights.

The show (deliberately) false starts three times as Maitreyah struggles to get the words out to introduce her deeply personal family story. Empty chairs represent the missing family members (back home in the Gold Coast’s small town of Mooloolaba) home movie footage and a delightful, but dark, animated film broadens the piece into a truly multi-media production.

It’s a deeply personal and moving performance that demonstrates that people with Downs Syndrome are capable of mighty things if given the chance. Well done to House of Oz and The Farm for giving this unique production the stage in Edinburgh. May this just be the start of something even greater.

Glass Child is at Old Lab at Summerhall until Sun 16 Aug 2026