
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Nov 2024
Video & Projection Designer
An Indian adaptation of Mark Haddon's globally renowned story of resilience and self-discovery
Part murder mystery. Part emotional rollercoaster. Entirely unforgettable. This is the coming-of-age story of a brilliant 15 year old boy that doesn’t quite fit in with society, and a unique (and often hilarious) journey of self-discovery.
This play takes everything about being a misfit kid in a complex world and amplifies it. It centres around Christopher, a bright teenager who isn’t quite like other children. In his world, prime numbers are life, metaphors are lies, and life’s nuances are interpreted in a tad-too-literal way that will touch your heart while making you laugh. When his neighbour's dog gets murdered, he is determined to solve the mystery so that things can start making sense again. As he plays detective, the twists lead him back to his own family and what transpires is something that nobody sees coming — least of all Christopher himself. Through his story, we navigate the deeper complexities of life, from family dysfunction to the power of love and resilience in overcoming unexpected challenges.
This is an original production for Aadyam Season 7 and before it made its way to a stage near you, its stage adaptation by Simon Stephens has had critically acclaimed runs on Broadway and the West End. It has also won multiple awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Play and the Tony Award for Best Play. This version is directed by the Atul Kumar and produced by The Arts Company.
Aadyam Theatre's production of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," directed by Atul Kumar, reimagines the acclaimed play by Simon Stephens—adapted from Mark Haddon's novel—within a Mumbai setting. The narrative centers on 15-year-old Christopher D’Souza, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a dog's death, leading to profound personal revelations.
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Atul Kumar's adaptation transposes the story from its original English backdrop to the vibrant bylanes of Bandra, Mumbai. This localization infuses the production with the city's unique cultural nuances, enhancing its relatability for Indian audiences. The characters communicate in Mumbai's colloquial dialect, and the city's local train network serves as a significant element in the staging, reflecting the urban landscape's influence on the storyline. The production emphasizes an immersive theatrical experience. Actors frequently break the fourth wall, directly engaging with the audience to draw them into Christopher's world. The staging incorporates dynamic set movements and projections that mirror Christopher's thought processes, offering insight into his unique perspective. The technical design for the projection involved testing out multiple sets and types of projectors, as well as decisions on the kind of projection surfaces that are portable and easy to setup whilst providing a crisp image.
Production
About Aadyam Theatre
Aadyam Theatre is an initiative by the Aditya Birla Group, launched in 2015 to promote and elevate the professional theatre scene in India. It serves as a platform for creating and showcasing high-quality, large-scale theatrical productions. It aims to sustain and preserve the breathing art form of theatre. Aadyam Theatre commissioned The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time for its Season 8 in 2024.
About Arts Company
Led by Indian theatre director and actor Atul Kumar, The ARTS Company offers Artistic Residencies, Training, and Services in the field of Performing Arts. Known for his inventive storytelling and bold reimaginings of classic and contemporary works, Atul Kumar has left a significant mark on Indian theatre. His productions often explore experimental staging and bring together diverse artistic disciplines, creating immersive experiences that challenge and engage audiences.
Creative Team
Performance by Dheer Hira, Jaimini Pathak, Shivani Tanksale, Dilnaaz Irani, Abhay Kaul, Salone Mehta, Harssh A. Singh, Vidushi Chadha
Direction by Atul Kumar
Assisted by Kanchan Khilare, Akshata Acharya, Simrat Harvind Kaur
Movement and Choreography by Aseng Borang
Produced by Ashrray Sharrma, Charvi Bharadwaj, Shreeda Patel, Navi Khan, Prem Nagal, Arif Sheikh, Atul Rajput, Garvit Ahuja
Projection and Visuals by Gaurav Singh Nijjer, Madhusmita Das, Saras Kumar
Music by Bhaskar Rao
Soundscape design by Mantra
Lighting design by Sarthak Narula
Artwork by Nachiket Baviskar, Soumil, Pooja, Divyanshu
Rehearsals Hosted at Abhyaas Manch, The Company Theatre Workspace
Special Mentions to Sampreeti Ghatak, Sreeyasi Mazumdar, Vishal Kasana, Sayan Chaudhuri, Sharda, Isa Baani, Noor, Saylee Mayshram, Pranjal Vaid, Rahul Kumar, Sujala-Mukesh, Himanshu Patel, Shreya Singh, Vara Raturi, Amalia Chawla, Girish Sharma, Mantra Mugdh, Tanisha Mehta
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