In this day in age, it is important to love and respect one another, but this respect ultimately starts with the ability to grasp what it is like to see the world through another’s eyes, sophomore Kenneth McCarthy, Co-Student Director of Fall Play, said. This year’s Fall Play follows its main character Christopher, an individual who is neurodivergent, as he navigates the world, McCarthy said.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is based on the 2003 novel by Mark Hadden, and adapted by Simon Stephens. After seeing the piece on Broadway, Mandi Corrao, Drama Teacher and Director, felt inspired by the overall meaning behind the production along with the theatrical way it was performed.
“I have always wanted to try directing something this complex and meaningful,” Corrao said. “This year, I felt like we were in a place where we could really do this show, and its message justice.”
Christopher, portrayed by senior Lukas House and junior Bekah Vogt, is a double cast role meaning that both actors will take turns acting each night. The objective of the production is to spread awareness for those who live with autism and accurately represent daily life through their eyes, House said.
“There is a pretty heavy responsibility [in playing Christopher],” House said. “It’s about trying to empathize and understand a different perspective that you may have never considered or may have even had preconceived judgments about.”
The story is constructed in a positive way to allow audience members to put themselves in the shoes of Christopher, McCarthy said. McCarthy has multiple people in his life that experience neurodivergence and believes this play has helped him connect with them on a deeper level.
“We want to portray not just entertainment but also a very inspiring message about how we can interact with people in a positive and constructive way,” McCarthy said. “Being able to navigate that sort of world and perspective through Christopher’s eyes is an enlightening experience.”
Not only does the play depict a journey through the perspective of an individual who is neurodivergent, it also conveys messages of family and love as Christopher navigates relationships, senior Kathleen Sawyer, who plays Christopher’s teacher, Siobhan, said.
“As Siobhan, I really admire how the character connects with Christopher, and how she kind of offers him a tool box to navigate the complex world around him,” Sawyer said.
With this performance we hope to prove that everyone’s unique perspective is valid and special in its own way, Corrao said. Corrao hopes audience members will have gained a unique perspective on life as they leave the theater.
“In a society that loves assigning labels, my hope is that this play will promote the idea that regardless of the labels that society imposes on you, or the labels you impose upon yourself, your unique perspective is valuable, valid, and deserving of respect.” Corrao said.
