Is There Work on Mars?

Theatre (new writing, neurodiversity-led)

  • theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall - Theatre 1
  • 10:45
  • Aug 17
  • 40 minutes
  • Suitability: 12+ (Guideline)
  • Country: China
  • Group: Yafei Zheng
  • Warnings and additional info: Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strobe lighting
  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 18 months

This show has performances in multiple locations

Description

Can an Asian with ADHD and dyscalculia pass Elon Musk's Mars immigration test? Set in a dystopian future of space colonisation, Is There Work on Mars? rants about many things: being an Asian who is innately horrible at maths, ableist education systems, living in the diaspora and ridiculous immigration requirements. Feeling like an outcast everywhere she goes, the neurodiverse Chinese woman desperately finds herself at SpaceX's absurd testing lab in an attempt to move to Mars. Is There Work on Mars? was first presented at Theatre Peckham as part of Peckham Fringe 2024.

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Information not supplied
  • Wheelchair access type: Level Access

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Yuqiu Wang 17 days ago

Yafei’s performance in Is There Work on Mars? is both compelling and relatable, capturing the intense scrutiny and pressure of being tested in an ableist, dystopian world. Her portrayal of a neurodiverse individual struggling with absurd immigration requirements felt incredibly authentic, evoking strong empathy and memories of similar experiences in my own life!!

In just 40 minutes, Yafei skillfully brings to life her past traumas and challenges within East Asian educational systems, seamlessly transitioning between scenes without a hint of confusion. The play's sharp critique of societal expectations and the resilience required to navigate them is powerful.

Don’t miss the final few performances of this deeply resonant and thought-provoking piece!

Yola Lu 22 days ago

This show was just...incredible. I loved Yafei's honestly in admitting to having ADHD and struggling with numbers growing up. As an Asian who got a late in life diagnosis, and also had a hard time with STEM, this show resonated with me SO MUCH. It's so "uncommon" or even sometimes shameful for us in our culture to admit to having something like ADHD, but Yafei presents this in a way that makes you feel empowered. It's excellent storytelling, unlike anything I've ever seen. I laughed and my eyes were brimming with tears at many moments. It's such a rich show and truly the representation that is missing in our society AND AT THE FRINGE! Go! Go see this now before it's gone. Side note: I also got to meet Yafei as a human outside the show and she is as kind as she seems on and off stage. If you get a chance to chat with her, please do. You'll be welcomed with a warmness and true genuineness that I think is missing nowadays sometimes. Very grateful to have crossed paths with her and see the show.


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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.