Perseverance Street Theatre Company’s latest production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a moving play adapted by Simon Stephens, from Mark Haddon’s bestselling novel.
This choice of play is a move away from the company’s usual original, self-devised productions. The script is a complex piece of writing told through the eyes of Christopher Boone, a neurodivergent teenager, as he sets out to solve the mystery of a neighbour’s dead dog.
The set is a simple black stage with a stripped bare rostrum the ensemble of twelve transform into many locations required for this fast-paced, technical production using sound, light and movement.
The varied use of projection transforms the stark stage to create rooms, maps and various psychological states of mind, integral to follow Christopher’s journey.
The cast move seamlessly to become a piece of the set or build intensity using sound and choreography, such as when Christopher navigate public transport to travel to London or experiences bouts of anxiety.
Human frailty
This is a play about human frailty. The central figure is a highly intelligent young man who lives with the social and sensory challenges of an autistic person. He navigates the world as best he can with family, teachers and neighbours offering new perspectives along the way.
The play challenges its characters, with all their flaws, to forgive, be patient and learn how to understand Christopher. Tight ensemble work of this intergenerational cast has become a signature for Perseverance Street Theatre who create quirky, high-quality theatre that’s to their regional community.
The audience go on a journey with Christopher’s community who at first question someone who does not conform to the norm. Over time the audience learns how acceptance of differences makes better humans.
Diagnosis of neurodivergence (autism and ADHD) is rising in Australia, so the themes in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are relevant, timely and relatable.
The full cast is Brendon Beltrame, Samuel Falk, Christina Follet, Hannah De Vere, Arafin Koch, Samuel McKerrow, Michelle Feather, Taylor Whiting, Ruby Whiting and Su Foster, with Caleb Denman and Emily Monk alternating the lead role of Christopher.
Standout performances
There are some stand out performances with Brendon Beltrame as a father struggling to win back the trust lost between him and his son. Christina Follet plays the steadfast and calm teacher who believes in Chris and convinces others to do the same. Cameo roles offer light relief.
Perseverance Street Theatre Company’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time plays Thursday 21 May to Sunday 24 May from 7pm – 8:30pm with matinee performances. Book tickets here.
All images supplied by Perseverance Street Theatre Company.
