Ohio, the new show from indie-folk duo Abigail and Shaun Bengson, is a bittersweet meditation on family, faith and loss. Framed as a 'death concert' in response to their young son's question about mortality, it is ultimately a ferocious celebration of life. The production runs at Upstairs at Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, until 24 August, before transferring to London's Young Vic from 30 September to 24 October.
The Bengsons create spine-tingling folk harmonies that feel deeply felt, particularly by Abigail, whose body moves instinctively to their tumbling scales. Director Caitlin Sullivan helps them shape the narrative gracefully, blending gig, presentation and choir rehearsal. The story focuses more on Shaun, whose dry humour balances Abigail's enthusiasm, as he recounts his repressive Lutheran upbringing and his evolving relationship with faith and his father.
A standout scene depicts Shaun's degenerative hearing loss through modulated microphones, revealing which tones and consonants he can no longer hear, and how the distortion will intensify. Creative captions that tremble as the sensory experience distorts make this slow theft devastatingly real. The pair's angelic folk songs and thoughtful explanations create an atmosphere of intimate support, with a reverent hush accompanying every moment.
A song to Shaun's choirmistress, who helped him unfurl as a shy child, is particularly shattering. The show serves both as an introduction to the couple and a spiritual meditation on life, leaving audiences acutely aware of time slipping away.
