The fall play is an important event for any high school, and it is one that evokes great joy at Bernards. Students flock to the PAC to watch these terrific shows and their peers’ brilliant performances. The drama runs four times over the span of one weekend, allowing for the maximum number of people to see it. All are excited to either watch or take part in the performances. This year, though, the topic of play inspires much controversy.

The show Bernards is performing this year is The Ckkurious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. This play follows the journey of a young boy with autism as he discovers the death of his neighbor’s dog and the subsequent events that follow as he understands the meaning of death. The drama, originally a novel, is all from the child with autism’s perspective, giving the audience a glimpse into the inner-workings of his mind. While this tale is both sad and heartwarming, is it really appropriate for a high school to perform?

Because the play requires a student actor to portray the main character, and while I have complete faith the performers at Bernards will do a fantastic job with their roles, the actor’s portrayal of the main character, Christopher Boone, could offend people, specifically those people who are neurodivergent. While it is noted that that would never be the intention of the performance, some could construe the portrayal as an insult to or ‘making fun of’ children with autism. Because it can be easily mistaken as an insult, is this play truly acceptable to perform, especially at the high school level?

Bernards High School is a great school and is accepting of everyone. There are many programs and measures in place to ensure that everyone feels welcome. This fall play has the potential to make students at Bernards feel the opposite, feasibly ruining the trusting, warm community that currently envelopes the high school. Is this show worth this possible outcome?

The student actors are also conflicted by the drama being performed. Alexis Frenda ’23, a returning actress, says that, “Although I am excited to return to the stage, I have some reservations about this show. I wouldn’t want to unintentionally insult someone with my performance.” If even the performers are skeptical of the play, why is Bernards performing The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time? Another actress, Nina Robles ’23, comments that, “This performance is going to be a challenge, but with enough attention to detail, we’ll put on a great show.”

Ms. Pietroluongo, a supervisor of the fall drama, discussed how the school is working to handle such a sensitive topic. She stated that Mrs. Hart, instructor of the STARs program, will serve as the plays “dramateur” -an expert who helps advise the handling of this topic. Ms. Pietroluongo adds, “She is going to consult us on the topic, is this accurate, is this sensitive, is this crossing a line?”

Moreover, in previous years when dealing with sensitive subjects, BHS has brought in experts to start a dialogue amongst cast and crew. This year, Dr. Lavalle, a member of the child studies team, will run an information session for cast and crew, to help inform them on ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) and clear up any misconceptions.

Ms. Pietroluongo summarizes, ““Theater is always such a great place to learn about life, and human experience.”

Maybe the point of the controversy is to inspire more people to come watch the performance? Maybe the play’s purpose will not be overshadowed by its content and possible negative resulting emotions? The one thing I know for sure is that I will be one of those audience members sitting in the PAC, ready to watch the performance of this controversial drama.