When Anthony (Josh Hammond) unexpectedly shows up at classmate Caroline’s (Alyssa Peters) bedroom, she’s understandably furious. Then he tells her they need to complete an urgent English assignment on Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, and it’s due tomorrow.

Caroline hasn’t been to school in months. Living with a chronic illness, she spends her days confined to her room, her phone the only real link to the outside world.

Written by Lauren Gunderson, I & You is the passion project of Hammond and Peters, who discovered the script and sought out director Claudia Barrie. Barrie, who also lives with a life-altering chronic illness, brings lived experience and sensitivity to the work, grounding the story in emotional truth.

Peters does a brilliant job bringing out the feisty character of Caroline. Angry at the world, at her body, and at her situation. But she refuses to be seen as fragile and doesn’t want pity.

What begins as a tense encounter evolves into something tender and surprising. Over cookies and Whitman, the two characters gradually connect. Hammond plays Anthony with his quiet persistence, reminding Caroline that she is more than her illness. As he puts it: “You’re not only your thing.”

I & You is not just a play about the interpretation of Leaves of Grass, poetry, or a budding friendship. It’s about all of those things and so much more. It’s about seizing the day, joy in the little things, and choosing to live with a lust for life. It’s a story of hope, told with sensitivity, humour, and heart. Performed with sincerity by two actors who believed in it enough to make it happen.

Lighting and set designer Saint Claire uses warmth and softness to great effect, with a simple setup of a cosy bed and piano. Originally written with air guitar, Peters’ real-life piano skills inspired a live music component, adding intimacy and emotional richness. I would have liked to have seen the arty close-up photography that was referred to but this production takes place in Belvoir’s Downstairs Theatre, 25A, an independent theatre for emerging and independent artists and all productions must be made on a shoestring budget of under $2,500.

Whether you’re a fan of Walt Whitman or poetry doesn’t matter. I & You offers a poignant and hopefully reflection on living fully, loving fiercely and finding joy in unexpected places.  

4 stars.

Run time: 75 minutes (no interval)

Produced by Mad March Hare Theatre Company in association with Belvoir I & You is playing now at Belvoir Theatre until 18 May 2025. 

For tickets visit Belvoir