A projector is used, shining on the back wall. There are no additional backdrops or sets. The set is a floor and backdrop of black with a grid taped over it, like graph paper. The seats are comfortable, the view is good, and the air-conditioning actually works. It’s a black box theater, and despite the ominous low-ceilinged entrance, it is quite a good theater.
I saw the play opening night in TPAC’s Andrew Johnson Theater, which I hadn’t realized existed before because it’s in the basement. I think they were in the spirit of the book, but meta-references in a book, when the main character is supposedly the author, retain an authentic feeling that a play cannot emulate in the same way. The only moments I disliked in the adaptation were a few brief meta-references to the play itself. This way we can get Christopher’s funny observations and explanations without him having to give excessive asides or otherwise slow scenes down. Christopher’s teacher, Siobhan, played by Sejal Mehta, reads sections of his book aloud, sometimes as simple narration, sometimes in scenes while they interact, allowing for her comments and questions.
The adaptation, done by Simon Stephens, does it quite well. I was curious– how could this delightful viewpoint transfer to a play? We all relate to what it feels like to be an outsider, and it is fun to laugh at ourselves and the “normal” things we do that we don’t really think about. It’s a rare combination of being relatable while making us laugh at ourselves. As an outsider to “normal” people’s behavior, his observations are hilarious. This endeavor digs up more pain and joy than anyone expects. The book is written from his perspective, as a project and part of his mission to discover who killed his neighbor’s dog. This is a play about Christopher.” And Christopher is a delightful character. To quote theĭirector, Micah-Shane Brewer, “…This is not a play about ASD. Some sort of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), although neither the book or the play get specific about it. Christopher is a 15 year old who has photo of Ben Friesen and Sejal Mehta, It is funny, kind, and optimistic, despite the protagonist’s difficult life. I read Mark Haddon’s book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in high school, and really enjoyed it.
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