This Fall, Calvin Christian’s Dramatic Society will be putting on a production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, based on a novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens.
The story centers around fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone. Christopher is “exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life” (DPS). Christopher has autism, and after his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, is stabbed with a garden fork, he becomes determined to find the culprit. He begins his detective work, carefully writing down all facts and suspects involved. In the end, Christopher uncovers much more than who killed Wellington, and he goes on an adventure that takes him far outside of his comfort zone.
The play will be performed in the learning commons, in the round, meaning that the audience completely surrounds the actors and actresses on stage. Mr. Jewett, the director, comments, “I really like the idea of intimacy in theatre, that you are part of the action. […]You’re engaged on a different level.” The audience will be able to experience the action from every angle. Audience members are up close and personal with the cast, seeing every expression and emotion.
“I really really enjoyed it [the book] and I really found myself fascinated by the main character Christopher’s brain and the way he thought. There were things I could relate to and things that I couldn’t” said Jewett. The play and the book are narrated by Christopher, the audience hears his thoughts and sees his routines throughout his daily life. Mr. Jewett also mentioned, “I saw a lot of what [the play] did with an ensemble […]how a community can bring about a character. I really wanted to create that feeling of an ensemble with our cast. That we’re all one trying to help us understand a brain that is unique.” The play features ensemble acting, using a group of actors and actresses to help illustrate Christopher’s life, thoughts, and feelings. From lightboards to lifts, the show itself is an incredible treat to enjoy.
One of the main goals of the show is to portray how Christopher, a boy on the autism spectrum, sees and experiences the world. Mrs. Gray, the inclusion teacher, spoke to the cast saying, “autism is different for everyone who experiences it.” It’s important to remember that autism varies from person to person, and the character of Christopher is just one example.
While being heavy, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime is still uplifting, as it showcases how disability is not inability. In the words of Mr. Jewett, “I do hope they [the audience] leave with an appreciation for difference, that we don’t always have to think the same to be able to think well.” The show teaches the audience about uniqueness, love, and perseverance while being scattered with fascinating movement and clever jokes.
Calvin’s performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime will take place in the learning commons from October 31 through November 2, with November 2 having both a matinee and an evening show. It’s not one to miss!
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