DIRECTOR'S NOTE

 

As I sit down to write this director’s note, I suddenly realize that, as an audience member, I simply dread going to the theatre to see plays adapted from popular novels. As not to offend anyone, I will refrain from listing specific examples, but I have been perpetually disappointed by this type of theatrical experience. I find that the theatre thrives when it tells stories especially crafted for it rather than grossly distorting the content of a novel to suit the boundaries of the stage. Yet, here I am, welcoming you to this performance of  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a play adapted from Mark Haddon’s celebrated novel.   

  

Without a doubt, Simon Stephens’ skillful adaptation is what allows Curious Incident to succeed as a theatrical event. Rather than constraining and hindering the original narrative, the transformation from novel to play seems to have liberated it. The story soars on stage because it invites all members of the creative team—director, designers, and performers—to engage in a rich and complex collaborative process that results in a unique and exhilarating experience for our audiences. In other words, whether you are a longtime fan of Curious Incident or whether you are about to meet Christopher for the first time, we hope that you delight in the world we have imagined for you. 

  

As a theatre artist and as an educator, I am thrilled to see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time performed on our stage. It is, after all, one of the most distinguished plays of the 21st century and I believe that, as an academic institution, we must regularly produce the work of contemporary playwrights to best serve our community. Additionally, the complexity of the material and the challenges unique to this piece of theatre make Curious Incident a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn new skills, engage with innovative technologies, and tell a story like no other. 

  

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff, thank you for supporting the Theatre Arts at UW-Parkside. 

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Enjoy the show!