An Unspeakably Wonderful Mysterious Something

105 years ago, four scientists in Toronto discovered something unspeakably wonderful. A treatment for the young and withering. A volatile thing, previously mis-understood: Insulin.

They shared their discovery as their gift to the world. Millions of lives were saved.

Fast forward to 2026. Type 1 Diabetics around the world rely second-to-second on this miracle of modern medicine, but how did we get to where we are now? And if insulin keeps diabetics alive - who is responsible for wielding this mysterious something, and what toll does that responsibility take?

This daring new one-person show, created and performed by Type 1 Diabetic theatre-maker Blake Hohenhaus (2026 Red Stitch Hansen Graduate Dramaturg, 2025 Canberra Youth Theatre Young Playwright Commission Finalist) explodes the convoluted century-long history of insulin into the here-and-now of radical non-fiction performance.
 
Part documentary, part physical theatre, and part performance art, An Unspeakably Wonderful Mysterious Something pushes the limits of theatricality and the human body, exposing in no uncertain terms the realities of the balancing act every Type 1 Diabetic performs moment-to-moment in order to stay alive.

By Blake Hohenhaus, with Eugene Beissel and Alex Fimeri

Created and Performed by: Blake Hohenhaus

Co-Deviser: Alex Fimeri 

Co-Deviser/Composer/Sound Designer: Eugene Beissel

Hero Image Photographer: Darren Gill