FIU Theatre's newest production dives deep into the complex mind of a neurodivergent boy

By Emily Taylor-Madrid

While most people's perspectives conform to societal norms, there are extraordinary individuals who see the world differently. 

Fictional character Christopher Boone, 15, is a neurodivergent boy who perceives the world through a lens of rigorous precision and an often overwhelming vibrancy. The term neurodivergent refers to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. And people who have these features also have certain strengths.

Christopher's atypical mind is at the center of FIU Theatre's newest production: Simon Stephens’ "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." The production is playing now through Sunday, Feb. 27, on FIU's Main Stage Theatre at The Wertheim. 

Adapted from Mark Haddon’s international best-selling novel of the same name, the play follows Christopher's journey in understanding himself, those around him and his family's buried secrets — all as he attempts to solve the murder of his neighbor’s dog.

A coming-of-age story told from a unique perspective, Stephens sought to transfer this story from page to stage as a means of providing audiences the opportunity to dive deeper within the complex mind of the mathematical savant. 

“I think that the play opens up our minds to how we perceive people, and I think that if you actually go on the ride of the play, you can accept more kindness into your life,” says the production’s director and FIU alumna Victoria Collado. 

A Cuban-American storyteller living and working in New York and Miami, Collado uses directing as a medium to create exciting theatrical pieces that merge the movement world with naturalist plays. 

Co-founder of the Abre Camino Collective, Collado's and her partner's entertainment company redefines the American narrative through radical storytelling. In directing "The Curious Incident," Collado is excited to be presented with an opportunity to tell a story that values the beauty of simplicity. 

“I feel so much for Christopher and for this world," Collado says. "I see the magic in the play and yet somehow it is all done simply. And that is something that I’ve carried with me throughout this process as a director.” 

Actor Cristian Torres, who plays Christopher, believes that this simplicity more readily opens audiences to connect and empathize with Christopher’s story. 

“I think Vicky’s direction is totally unique and serves the story in a human and powerful way,” Torres says. It is Torres’ hope that “Getting to the root of Christopher’s emotions, audiences will leave realizing that people make mistakes or maybe do things that don’t make sense, but they are still deserving of empathy and compassion.”

Understanding is at the center of Scenic Designer Jennifer Ivey’s design as she strives to immerse the audience in Christopher's world — leaving viewers moved by his spectacular mind, and reflecting on their own perspective of the world. 

“I wanted something that was up to interpretation so that we are all seeing a unique thing where we are always connecting dots as to what we choose to pay attention to,” Ivey says. “I wanted for the images, the movement of bodies, and the audience themselves to help create the space.” 

Placing audience seating on stage, utilizing set pieces that embrace a natural geometry — and actors moving in very solid as well as predictable manners, Ivey hopes audiences feel connected to the story as a live moment and orients them to digest the piece as if it were a backstage pass to view Boone’s brain up close and personal.

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" is now playing on the Main Stage Theatre at The Wertheim through Feb. 27. Tickets for the run are sold out; however, some last-minute rush tickets may be released closer to each performance. Visit FIU Theatre’s website or call the Box Office at 305-348-0548 for more information.