Brenda Craig first heard of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” after she learned her own son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (previously referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome), so when she heard that Tryon Little Theater was staging the play she was immediately interested. 

 

Craig plays Siobhan in the play, Christopher’s teacher. They have a very special relationship and she helps him learn to develop his intellectual abilities while learning the social skills necessary to function in society. 

 

“My part in this production is different from the others,” she says. “At times, I am Siobhan, Christopher’s teacher and mentor, and at other times, I function as a narrator of sorts, as I read from the book that Christopher is writing throughout the play. And sometimes I am like a voice in Christopher’s head, encouraging him and reminding him of the coping skills I have helped him learn. This voice is like internal guidance for Christopher and seems to come up when he is summoning courage and envisioning his future and provides the comfort of someone who truly understands him. 

 

“As the mother of a young man with many similarities to Christopher, I have felt struggles similar to those of his mother, Judy, who is often at a loss for how to deal with Christopher. She wants desperately to help him, but she doesn’t know how. So, playing the role of Siobhan, who does know how to help him is a true joy and honor for me.” 

 

Directed by Chris Tinkler, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” opens April 25, and runs for two weekends at TLT’s Workshop Theater.  Tickets can be ordered on line at www.tltinfo.org or by calling the box office at 828-859-2466. 

 

Submitted by Monica Jones