When I first read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, I was awed not only by its original storytelling format, but by its unique invitation to experience the world through the eyes of someone whose brain works differently than most. It is what we dream of in theatre, to be truly transported—not just to another place or time, but into another mind.
Christopher Boone, the 15-year-old protagonist of this story, is brilliant, brave, and honest. He sees logic where others see chaos. He craves truth in a world of lies. The way he processes the world might be unfamiliar to many of us, but his longing for love, understanding, and belonging is universal. Curious Incident challenges us to alter our attitude towards what we think of as “normal,” and to discover the extraordinary in the everyday.
We think of our theatre as our community’s empathy gym—a place where we come to practice our powers of compassion. Curious Incident might be one of the most potent workouts we’ve offered. Full of wonder and pain, humor and heartache, it reminds us that every person’s inner world is vast and rich and worthy of respect.
This production also offers a unique storytelling structure. Told in 57 scene-lets, it is dependent on a brilliant ensemble to set the scenes with movement in a simple arena aided by light, sound, and projections. All the elements combine to invite us directly into Christopher’s world. It is a brilliant exercise in theatrical magic.
As you watch Curious Incident, notice not only Christopher’s journey, but your own. What assumptions do we make about those who see the world differently? Simon Stephens’ wonderful play enables us the see through different eyes so we can grow to better listen, support and connect.
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