Mark Haddon, the author of the novel version of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, has said that this is not a story about disability, but rather it is a story about difference. I think it is important to note that is is not a play about generalizing Autism- because, as the saying goes, "If you've met one person with Autism, you've met one person with Autism." Christopher's experience is just that- his experience.
This is a wonderful and captivating story about a boy who sees and experiences the world in a much different way than the average person. He is an extraordinary young man who is incredibly smart and compassionate, but who is seen as different by much of the world around him- including his own family. This story serves as a great reminder not to be too quick to judge and make assumptions about someone simply because they are different, or because tasks that are easy for us are difficult for them.
Christopher's story is a story for us all. His struggles may not be our struggles, but we all know what it is like to feel like we're the outsider or the underdog. At the end of the day, we're all more alike each other than we are different.
I think this production also serves as a reminder about the extraordinary power of the imagination of a group of actors and the technicians that support them. It has been so much fun to get back to the simplisitic roots of theatre to tell a story that is epic in scope in a small, intimate space. This has been such a great and wonderful group of students to create with, and an experience that I will always treasure.
I would also like to personally thank Lauren Carr, the Director of Education, Engagement and Inclusion at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati; and "Dr. Jen" from Cincinnati Children's Hospital for lending their time and expertise to our cast and crew. These women are doing great things in the City of Cincinnati to make theatre more inclusive for everyone.
Thank you for supporting these wonderful students, and enjoy the show.
Mike Sherman,
Director
