Life is short. You make the most of what God/your own personal belief system gives you. Even if everything is against you. Ohio follows the strange, yet true story of Abigail and Shaun Bengson, as they introduce us to the quirky ways religion has formed their lives through their own paths, as well as how the gradual loss of hearing can impact living as a whole. Through the power of storytelling, original and darkly humorous songs, as well as being authentic in their own mental messes, Abigail and Shaun paint a picture of Ohio as a place in an engaging way that makes us think differently about the world.
Abigail and Shaun Bengson in Ohio. Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Together, they had a natural connection which is hard to achieve on stage at the best of times, but due to the nature of the Bengsons’ pen and cosy inclusive way of working, it became clear that it did not matter who you were or what challenges you faced, you felt safe in their presence. Abigail, in particular, by being honest about being autistic, was the one who initiated the process of belonging to a united community in faith, neurodivergency and more. In other words, if you felt like you were too different for society to handle, you were welcomed here.
For me, having a dad and a partner who respectively have varying levels of deafness, I was interested to see how the duo would depict this particular shift from having all your senses, to losing one and gaining a sensory height from others. This is where Shaun came into his own in terms of songwriting and technological expertise, alongside Abigail’s natural ability to support the moments he genuinely couldn’t hear certain frequencies. Using various mixing tools and his guitar, he created a soundscape that created an experience which was beyond words. It was eye-opening and a rude awakening as to what could happen when you can’t hear consonants anymore. Sometimes, even simple sentences became a muddy, messy jumble, which can send the sufferer into a spiral that they can’t always get out of, no matter what techniques were used. This was a learning moment that was appreciated all around.
The mess did continue as they had some technical difficulties, and towards the end, at the time of reviewing, the show had to be stopped due to someone requiring help. What made even those moments special was the way the Bergmans made the most out of each situation as it occurred. Their unwavering faith and positivity were humbling and reminded us that even in times of difficulties, there is always a way. Always hope.
Ohio brings joy and light into the darkness and blasts negativity away through their real-life insights and unique style of storytelling through experimental music. One that is to be experienced and never forgotten.
Review by Sascha Cooper
An intimate and rousing new musical experience by real-life couple Abigail and Shaun Bengson, known for their evocative Indie-folk music and deeply personal storytelling.
When Shaun turned his back on the church, he found a new home in music. Confronted now with acute degenerative hearing loss, he’s making the choice to live joyfully in the face of life’s many unanswerable questions.
Featuring creative captions, Ohio is an exhilarating and celebratory true story about losing faith and finding hope in the darkest of places.
CAST
Written and performed by The Bengsons
CREATIVE TEAM
Director – Cailtin Sullivan
Scenic Designer – Cate McCrea
Sound Designer – Nick Kourtides
Lighting Designer – Bethany Gupwell
Projection Designer – David Bengali
Associate Director – Lydia Cook
Associate Scenic Designer – Ceci Calf
Associate Sound Designer – Dan Samson
Associate Lighting Designer and Programmer – Oscar Burr
Associate Video Designer and Engineer – Dave Murray
Access Dramaturg – Alison Kopit
Francesca Moody Productions and piece by piece productions in association with the Young Vic present
OHIO
30 September to 24 October 2025
