Joshua Jenkins (Christopher Boone), Amanda Posener, Matt Wilman and Oliver Boot. Photo by BrinkhoffMögenburg
BRINKHOFF-MOEGENBURG

Feature | The journey to Australia

After premiering at the National Theatre’s Cottesloe Theatre in August 2012, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time transferred to the West End in 2013. Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director Brett Sheehy was amongst the first to see the production in its new home.

Captivated by the production, Sheehy says it was a combination of the play’s innovative set, lighting and sound design; choreographed movement; and heroic story of Christopher Boone that set this show apart.

‘When I first saw Curious Incident I was blown away by the incredible fusion of technology and storytelling. It’s truly a show for everyone – there’s adventure, mystery, wonder and curiosity. It lets us in on another’s perspective of the world, reminding audiences to be understanding and accepting of difference, and that it is this difference that enriches humanity. I was transfixed. I immediately knew it was a show that Melbourne had to see.’

That same year, Curious Incident won seven Olivier Awards including Best New Play, and would later go on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Play, for its Broadway debut.

Five years on, Melbourne has secured the exclusive Australian premiere of this acclaimed production that has enchanted audiences around the world.

‘Taking any production on tour is very complex, and an international tour even more so. It has taken over four years of planning and negotiation by the team at MTC to get this unique production to Melbourne. There were so many stars that needed to align, and they finally have – in time for Curious Incident to open MTC’s 2018 Season.’

This massive feat could only be achieved with the combined effort of MTC and Arts Centre Melbourne. Both icons of Victoria’s vibrant cultural sector, the two organisations stage over 2,000 performances each year between them, attracting more than a million attendees in total. Their long-standing partnership has led to many memorable theatrical experiences including the hugely successful National Theatre tour of One Man, Two Guvnors in 2013.

Claire Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Arts Centre Melbourne, says all the planning over recent years has paid off. ‘Helping to bring the best of the world’s performing arts to Melbourne is central to what we do in providing the community with remarkable experiences and we are so excited about this unique opportunity to work in deep collaboration with one of our resident companies, MTC, to present this outstanding production.’

For Arts Centre Melbourne and MTC, creating opportunities for audiences to immerse themselves in the arts and inspire creativity is of great importance. To complement this season of Curious Incident, an Associated Program of events is running at Arts Centre Melbourne to enrich the
experience of this very special production.

‘The chance to deliver a great range of support programs aimed at schools,community groups and the general public was an opportunity too good to miss,’ says Claire Spencer. ‘And we’ve pulled together our most extensive Associated Program for a mainstage show to date.

‘Through workshops and talks designed to provide an even greater connection and insight into the production, we certainly look forward to the remarkable experience of Curious Incident going a lot further than just a show on stage.’

Since 2012 the remarkable experience that is Curious Incident has seen multiple tours and has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences young and old. Now it’s Melbourne’s turn to experience the magic of this universal story.

This feature also appears in the production programme, which can be downloaded for free here.

The National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time plays at Arts Centre Melbourne until 25 February 2018.

Published on 4 January 2018

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