Theatre / “Soul Trading” by Kate Walder, directed by Jenna Price. At the Courtyard Studio until October 8. Reviewed by SIMONE PENKETHMAN.

THE finale to Canberra Youth Theatre’s ambitious, 50-year anniversary program is the world premiere of Kate Walder’s play “Soul Trading”.

It’s a tight, funny and thought-provoking show, performed by 12 of the youngest of Canberra Youth Theatre’s actors, from school years 4-7.

“Soul Trading” depicts a world where children’s greatest attachment is to their learning bots. These AI driven robots take care of all their physical needs and assist them to develop into their predetermined profession, according to their designer DNA.

The year is 2079. Learning bots are not compulsory but only one child’s parents have chosen not to buy. Jerry (Ted Abraham) has a more freerange upbringing, exploring nature with all its risks.

But Jerry is lonely. The highlight of his school day is a few minutes of scheduled interaction with his classmates. With no predetermined specialisation, the AI teacher sends Jerry to the library to research one of his many personal interests – the long-extinct bees.

In the unsupervised library, Jerry breaks to rules to access the 3D printer and create a best friend.

Director Jenna Price uses highly stylised and choreographed movement to bring a poignant cohesion to the children’s isolated existences. Sound designer, Paddy Haesler’s music underpins the movement and his sound effects have great comic timing.

Phoenix May’s striking white, geometrical set design has the show played in the round. The advantage of this staging is a sense of intimacy with the audience close to the action. A disadvantage is that the voices of very young actors don’t always carry far enough to be audible.

“Soul Trading” had no adult characters and brings its audience inside the world of the children. It’s a hopeful story with plenty of laughs for the mostly adult audience on opening night.

In 2022 we have seen the fruition of many shows that were planned for 2020 and 2021 but cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Soul Trading” is no exception. Performed by a cohort of children who have had to engage with their learning through technology, in isolation, this show is a moving celebration of human connection.