It’s not often a play receives as many standing ovations as the Arts Club’s current production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
If the title has a familiar ring, it’s borrowed from a Sherlock Holmes mystery - and while the play does have a mystery, it’s a gripping, heart-wrenching but eventually heartwarming story that focuses on individuals, families and communities dealing with autism.
The Curious Incident, which is on at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage until Oct. 7, has a strong Burnaby connection. Local actor Jake Anthony was the cultural creative consultant who helped actor Daniel Doheny give the excellent, spot-on performance he does as Christopher, a boy focused and talented in mathematics but living with autism.
Anthony, who attended Gilpin and 12th Avenue elementary schools and Cariboo Hill Secondary School here in Burnaby, is an actor who is also a person with high-functioning autism. He works as an advocate for people with disabilities with the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion as well as Autism Canada and other societies, and he is currently the chair of the TransLink access transit users advisory committee. He also worked with Burnaby parks and recreation to develop a community inclusive theatre class for people of all diverse abilities, which, he says, “I’m delighted to still teach today!”
During an audition at the Arts Club for the play, he mentioned to the director, Ashlie Corcoran, that he had similarities to the main character in the play, Christopher.
“I’m also on the autistic spectrum, and (I told her) how important it was for me that the character be portrayed in a truthful and respectful manner,”Anthony said. “When I didn’t get cast in the part, Ashlie asked if I’d like to be the cultural creative consultant on the production.”
So what does a cultural creative consultant do?
“My main role has been to work with the creative team and actors to visually bring Christopher’s view of the world as a person with autism to the stage,” Anthony explained. “Daniel is absolutely amazing in his portrayal of Christopher, bringing so much authenticity and emotional depth to the role.”
Anthony noted that things have changed for people living with autism.
“With me being only 26 years old, most of the medications, types of therapy and treatment were only being researched and starting to be implemented as I was growing up,” he said.
“Unfortunately, prior to the 1990s, people like myself with autism and other developmental challenges were hidden away from society in institutions or only allowed to attend segregated, special schools.
“As autism is a neurological disorder, you’re born with it and go through life with it. The autistic spectrum is very wide. Some individuals, like Christopher in the play, may be well-spoken, have a strong aptitude for mathematics, as well as an exceptional memory, yet they lack emotional awareness and social skills to connect with other people. Others may be non-verbal, but very socially communicative with other people through sign language, pictures and symbols, along with other supports.”
Serious as the subject matter of the play is, including physical violence, it has the audience laughing at some situations, so well brought out by the talented cast, leaving room for hope for the future of the characters. An intriguing futuristic set by Drew Facey, with lighting by Itai Erdal, complements the play, without intrusion. A truly excellent production in direction and acting, with a thought-provoking message. On till Oct. 7.
For more information call 604-687-1644 or see www.artsclub.com.
